Here's a breakdown:
* Same or nearly the same meaning: They don't have to be *exactly* identical in meaning, but they should be close enough that they can be used interchangeably in many contexts.
* Different words: Synonyms are different words that convey a similar idea.
Examples:
* Happy: joyful, cheerful, delighted, glad
* Big: large, huge, enormous, massive
* Start: begin, commence, initiate, embark
Why are synonyms important?
* Enriching your vocabulary: Using synonyms helps you express yourself with greater precision and variety.
* Avoiding repetition: Synonyms help you avoid using the same word repeatedly, making your writing or speech more interesting.
* Understanding different shades of meaning: While synonyms share a core meaning, they often have subtle differences that can affect the overall tone or nuance of your expression.
Note: The "best" synonym to use often depends on the specific context and desired effect.