Definition:
A synonym is a word or phrase that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase.
Example:
* Happy and joyful are synonyms.
* Large and big are synonyms.
* Begin and start are synonyms.
Characteristics of Synonyms:
* They share a similar meaning, but may have subtle differences in nuance or connotation.
* They can be used interchangeably in many contexts.
* They often belong to the same part of speech (e.g., noun, verb, adjective).
Uses of Synonyms:
* To avoid repetition in writing.
* To express different shades of meaning.
* To enhance the clarity or precision of language.
* To create a more vivid or expressive style.
Note:
The word "synonymous" is an adjective that means "having the same meaning as another word or phrase."