“Synonym” and “synonymous” are closely related English words that deal with the concept of similarity in meaning.
A “synonym” is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. For example, “big” and “large” are synonyms. Synonyms can be extremely useful in writing and speaking as they allow us to vary our language and avoid repetition. They can also help to clarify or expand on a particular idea by presenting it in different terms.
“Synonymous” is an adjective that describes a relationship between two or more things that have similar meanings. For instance, we might say that “happiness is synonymous with contentment.” This means that happiness and contentment are so closely related in meaning that they can be considered almost the same. When two words are synonymous, they can often be used interchangeably in certain contexts.
In summary, “synonym” refers to individual words with similar meanings, while “synonymous” describes the relationship between such words or concepts. Both play important roles in enhancing our language and communication.