Classification of Synonyms

Absolute (total, Ideographic synonyms Stylistic synonyms Phraseological synonyms

complete) synonyms

Абсолютные (полные) Идеографические Стилистические Фразеологические

синонимы синонимы синонимы синонимы

are synonyms which are
identical in their meaning
and usage.
are synonyms which differ
in their denotational
meaning
are synonyms which differ
in the sphere of their
usage (i.e. their style)
are synonyms which are
identical in their meaning
and style but different in
their combinability
(valency)

flexion – inflexion, noun –
substantive, spirant-
fricative, etc.
look – seem – appear father – dad, child –infant make – do, language –
(to be in one’s view, or etc. tongue, little – few, etc.
judgement, but not
necessarily):
look implies that opinion
is based on a visual
impression (e.g. The city
looks its worst in March);
seem suggests a personal
opinion based on evidence
(e.g. Nothing seems right
when one is out of sorts);
appear sometimes
suggests a distorted
impression (e.g. The
setting sun made the
spires appear ablaze).