Here's a breakdown:
* Same meaning: The words are completely interchangeable in a sentence without changing the meaning. For example, "happy" and "joyful" are synonyms.
* Nearly the same meaning: The words might have subtle differences in nuance or context, but they are essentially equivalent. For example, "big" and "large" are synonyms, but "large" might imply a more formal or specific meaning.
Examples of synonyms:
* Happy and joyful
* Sad and dejected
* Big and large
* Start and begin
* Finish and complete
Understanding synonyms is important for:
* Enriching your vocabulary: By knowing synonyms, you can avoid repetition and use more precise language.
* Improving your writing: Synonyms can help you find the perfect word to express your meaning.
* Understanding different cultures: Languages often have different synonyms for the same concept.
Note: While some words might have multiple synonyms, not all words have synonyms.