Word Confusion: Euphemism versus Synonym

Posted September 28, 2023 by Kathy Davie in Author Resources, Self-Editing, Word Confusions, Writing

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I was surprised that this word confusion euphemism versus synonym was as close in its use — a euphemism is like a synonym but is a more polite way to express something.

A euphemism is a politer way to say something, to be less offensive whether it be substituting dang for damn, gad for God, geez or jeez for Jesus, passed away for died, let go for fired, collateral damage for civilians killed in war, etc.

A synonym is a word or phrase that means the same thing: close and shut; glad and happy; begin, start, commence, and initiate; small and little; kiss and buss; beautiful and attractive, etc.

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Exploring Later . . .

You may want to explore “Cute Synonyms, or English is Such a Rich, Rich Language” and/or the grammar post “Synonym versus Antonym“.

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Word Confusions . . .

. . . started as my way of dealing with a professional frustration with properly spelled words that were out of context in manuscripts I was editing as well as books I was reviewing. It evolved into a sharing of information with y’all. I’m hoping you’ll share with us words that have been a bête noire for you from either end.

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Euphemism	Synonym
The Way, 35 by Quotes from Saint Josemaria EN is under the CC BY 2.0 license, via Flickr. — An interesting euphemism, calling “cowardice” “prudence”.	Thank You Synonyms as Word Art by Free Images is courtesy of Lemon Loco Gifts and is under the CC BY 2.0 license, via Flickr.
Part of Grammar:
Noun Plural: euphemisms	Noun Plural: synonyms
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing The expression so substituted	A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language A person or thing so closely associated with a particular quality or idea that the mention of their name calls it to mind [Biology] A taxonomic name which has the same application as another, especially one which has been superseded and is no longer valid
Examples:
Downsizing as a euphemism for cuts. The woman is a cougar looking for prey. Eliminate him. “If you are let go, separated, terminated or whatever euphemism the company uses for ‘clean-out-your-desk-and-be-gone’, remember that you do have rights” (Maclay). I’m feeling under the weather is a euphemism for being sick. You can feel better about your new-to-you used car by calling it certified pre-owned.	Shut is a synonym of close. The East was a synonym for the Soviet empire. The Victorian age is a synonym for sexual puritanism. Linnaeus named the the Norway spruce Pinus abies, but it is now a synonym of the current scientific name, Picea abies.
Derivatives:
Adjective: euphemistic Adverb: euphemistically Noun: euphemist	Adjective: synonymic, synonymous Adverb: synonymously Noun: synonymity, synonymy, synonymousness
History of the Word:
Late 16th century, from the Greek euphēmismos, from euphēmizein meaning use auspicious words, from eu (well) + phēmē (speaking).	Late Middle English via the Latin from the Greek sunōnumon, neuter (used as a noun) of the adjective sunōnumos, from sun- (with) + onoma (name).

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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!

Satisfy your curiosity about other Word Confusions on its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.

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