Precise verbs are important to every great book, be it fiction or non-fiction. In fact, where preciseness is concerned I can say that about nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and . . . Okay, all parts of speech.
During the draft process, you are focused on getting the ideas out of your head and into the computer. Don’t stop to struggle over a word choice during your draft. Hone in on your word choices when you start the revision.
Today, let’s take a look at 3 myths about choosing synonyms.
Myth #1: All synonyms are created equal.
Truth #1: Different words express different emotional depth.
Example: want vs. desire vs. yearn. These words are listed as synonyms in Roget’s Super Thesaurus. However, want expresses no real emotional depth. Desire speaks of more depth, while yearn shows us an even greater emotional depth to the person’s want.
Does your hero want his romantic interest, or yearn for her?
Myth #2: All synonyms are created equal.
Truth #2: Different words express degrees of power.
Example: subdue vs. overpower vs. vanquish. Again, listed as synonyms in the book. But like #1 above, subdue tells us someone brought someone/thing under control, but doesn’t tell us how much mental or brute strength the task required.
Does your hero subdue, overpower, or vanquish his opposition?
Myth #3: All synonyms are created equal.
Truth #3: Words denote (carry explicit meaning) and connote (carry an implied meaning).
Example: fondle vs. caress. They both mean to handle tenderly, lovingly. But in today’s language, fondle connotes an overtone that the touch is an unwanted sexual touch.
Do you want your hero to caress his love interest, or fondle her?
So as you revise your story, take a bit of advice from the Grail Knight in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, “Choose wisely.”