Theme 5.3. Euphemisms. Antonyms. Practical work no.15

Finding the dominant synonym in the groups of synonyms. Interchangeability. Cases of substitution. Singling out euphemisms and words for which they serve as substitutes.

Objectives: 1) to identify the dominant synonym;

2) to find substitutes for the euphemisms.

Ex.1. Find the dominant synonym in the following groups of synonyms. Explain your choice.

1. to glimmer — to glisten — to blaze — to shine — to sparkle — to flash — to gleam. 2. to glare — to gaze — to peep — to look — to stare — to glance. 3. to astound — to surprise — to amaze — to puzzle — to astonish. 4. strange — quaint — odd — queer. 5. to saunter — to stroll — to wander — to walk — to roam, 6. scent — perfume — smell — odour — aroma. 7. to brood — to reflect — to meditate — to think. 8. to fabricate — to manufacture — to produce — to create — to make. 9. furious — enraged — angry. 10. to sob — to weep — to cry.

Ex.2. Find the dominant synonyms for the following italicized words and prove that they can be used as substitutes. Are they interchangeable? What is lost if we make the substitution?

1. Never for a moment did he interrupt or glance at his watch. 2. The girl looked astonished at my ignorance. 3. Sometimes perhaps a tramp will wander there, seeking shelter from a sudden shower of rain. 4. I am very different from that self who drove to Manderley for the first time filled with an intense desire to please. 5. The stony vineyards shimmer in the sun. 6. The restaurant was filled now with people who chatted and laughed. 7. I've got a sister and an ancient grandmother. 8. A bowl of roses in a drawing-room had a depth of colour and scent they had not possessed in the open. 9. He saw our newcomers, arms wound round each other, literally staggering from the bus. 10. Chicken-pox may be a mild children's disease. 11. In a funny way she wanted to reach out for that friendliness as if she needed it. Which was odd. 12. It could be a dream world. So pretty, yet so sad.

Ex.3. Find the euphemisms in the following sentences and jokes. Name the words for which they serve as euphemistic substitutes.

1. Policeman (to intoxicated man who is trying to fit his key to a lamp-post): I'm afraid there's nobody home there tonight. M a n: Mus' be. Mus' be. Theresh a light upstairsh. 2. "Johnny, where do you think God is this morning?" asked the Sunday-school teacher. "In our bathroom," was the reply. "What on earth makes you say that?" asked the amazed teacher. "Because just before I left I heard pa say, "My Lord! How long are you going to be in there?" 3. "Funny old thing," said Lily Marbury indulgently. "Looks half batty to my mind." 4. "I think the fellow's half a loony. He needs some one to look after him."

Practical work no.16

Antonyms as one of the language’s important expressive means. Finding antonyms.

Objectives: to provide antonyms for the words.

Ex.1. Find antonyms for the words given below.

Good, adj.; deep, adj.; narrow, adj., clever, adj.; young, adj.; to love, v.; to reject, v.; to give, v.; strong, adj.; to laugh, v.; joy, n.; evil, n.; up, adv., slowly, adj.; black, adj.; sad, adj.: to die, v.; to open, v.; clean, adj.; darkness, n.; big, adj.

Ex.2. Find antonyms in the following jokes and extracts.

A)

Policeman (holding up his hand): Stop!

Visitor: What's the matter?

P.: Why are you driving on the right side of the road?

V.: Do you want me to ride on the wrong side?

P.: You are driving on the wrong side.

V.: But you said that I was driving on the right side.

P.: That is right. You are on the right, and that's wrong.

V.: A strange country! If right is wrong, I'm right when I'm on the wrong side. So why did you stop me?

P.: My dear sir, you must keep to the left. The right side is the left.

V.: It's like a looking-glass! I'll try to remember, Well, I want to go to Bellwood. Will you kindly tell me the way?

P.: Certainly. At the end of this road, turn left.

V.: Now let me think. Turn left! In England left is right, and right is wrong. Am I right?

P.: You'll be right if you turn left. But if you turn right, you'll be wrong.

V.: Thank you. It's as clear as daylight.

(After G. С Thornley)

B) 1.Flying instructors say that pilot trainees are divided into optimists and pessimists when reporting the amount of fuel during flights. Optimists report that their fuel tank is half full while pessimists say it's half empty. 2. The canvas homes, the caravans, the transportable timber frames — each had its light. Some moving, some still. 3. His words seemed to point out that sad, even, tragic things could never be gay. 4. It was warm in the sun but cool under the shady trees. 5. He is my best friend and he is my bitter enemy. 6. Every man has feminine qualities and every woman has masculine ones. 7. He hated to be exposed to strangers, to be accepted or rejected.