Synonyms identification of shades of meaning
Answers
Shades of meaning distinguishes the small, subtle differences between words. For example, the adjectives “happy” and “ecstatic” both show an emotion, but one packs a bigger punch than the other.
When students study shades of meaning, they learn to better express how they are feeling or what they are thinking. Students develop their vocabulary when they gain an understanding of the nuances of the English language.
The concept of shades of meaning appears in the English Language Arts (ELA) Common Core State Standards.
In grades K-2, students are expected to demonstrate a basic understanding of shades of meaning. In kindergarten, students act out closely related verbs, like “run” and “trot.” Later in first and second grade, students differentiate between closely related verbs and adjectives.
In grades 3-5, students develop a greater understanding of the nuances of word meaning, as well as word relationships.