The proper usage of synonyms in the Hindi Language

Abstract

This research draws upon the proper usage of synonyms in the Hindi language. A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language. As the Hindi language is rich with a vast vocabulary, often we can see plenty of synonyms for a single word. As a matter of fact, no synonyms have exactly the same meaning (in all contexts or social levels of languages) because etymology, orthography, phonic qualities, ambiguous meanings, usage etc. make them unique. Thus, each and every synonym cannot be replaced the related word or phrase in the same environment. Synonyms can be any part of speech [such as nouns – pа:ni:/ʝəl (water), verbs - de:khan:/ta:kna: (to see), adjectives - bəɤa:/wiʃa:l (big), adverbs – te:z/ʃi:ghrə (quickly) or prepositions - pər/u:pər (on)] as long as both words belong to the same part of speech. Different words that are similar meaning usually differ for a reason. ʝəl is more formal than pа:ni:, bəɤa: and wiʃa:l are only synonyms in one usage and not in others (for an example the word bəɤa: bha:i: ‘big brother’ is not same as wiʃa:l bha:i: ‘vast brother’). Trough showing that all synonyms which stand for one word or phrase cannot be used in the same environment, this research highlights the importance of the proper usage of synonyms in Hindi language and how synonyms are meant differently in different environments. Moreover, the study will show what impact can be made of the incorrect usage of synonyms on communication in the Hindi language, and it will allow for more consideration on teaching process in enhancing vocabulary of students.