The last time we were together on this page, we talked about words – and how synonyms could sometimes convey the wrong meaning of the concept we are exploring. For example, saying I am Adequate does not convey the same positive meaning as saying I am Enough. Adequate actually conveys the idea that I could be more. Now, let’s take a look at Antonyms for Enough. An antonym is the opposite. How many times have you uttered the words Inadequate or Insufficient? Both of these words are antonyms for Enough. (Antonyms for enough, n.d.) There are others: deficient, drained, exhausted, you get the picture. Language can create havoc and even destruction when used as a weapon. When choosing the words you use, it is imperative that you consider the consequences of those words. Inadvertently using an antonym can change the course of the conversation, or using a synonym that doesn’t convey the emotion you wish to convey can actually cause a misunderstanding. “I am enough” is a powerful affirmation that means you accept and love yourself just the way you are, without feeling the need to change or prove yourself to anyone else. (Favour, 2023) Language affects our thinking more than we realize. It widens our perspective and changes our perception of the world. (Zagada, 2020) Words can be interpreted differently based on the person’s cultural, educational, and social background. That is why one person can hear something and react differently than another person hearing the exact same thing. For example, you say, “I am enough,” and one person believes that you are self-sufficient, care for yourself, and satisfied with who you are. Another person, hearing the same thing, may add a nuance of doubt or disbelief in what you are saying. Perhaps they have heard the statement before from someone else who was being sarcastic, and therefore believe you also are being sarcastic. As you are speaking, or writing, be diligent in the wording you use. Make sure the meaning you are conveying is the meaning you wish others to understand. Words are powerful, words can be empowering, and words can be destructive. Say what you mean and mean what you say. (Flaxington, 2016) References
Antonyms for enough. (n.d.). Retrieved from Synonyms: https://www.synonyms.com/antonyms/enough Favour. (2023). 70 “I Am Enough” Quotes To Boost Your Self Worth. Retrieved from SelfHelpJourney: https://selfhealjourney.com/2023/08/17/i-am-enough-quotes/ Flaxington, B. D. (2016, July 26). Say What You Mean; Mean What You Say. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understand-other-people/201607/say-what-you-mean-mean-what-you-say Zagada, M. (2020, March 13). More Than Words: How Language Affects The Way We Think. Retrieved from GoFluent: https://www.gofluent.com/us-en/blog/how-language-affects-the-way-we-think/
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There are estimates showing there are more than a million words in the English language, and it is growing by thousands every year. Think about that for a minute. It’s important to remember that this includes different forms of the same word. It also includes lots of words that we could call archaic or old-fashioned. According to some experts, adult native speakers of English have a vocabulary of 20,000-35,000 words. (WIL, n.d.) That’s a lot of words! Today I want to look at one word, the word we have been exploring all year: ENOUGH. A Synonym is a word with a similar meaning as the original word. The phrase, “I am Enough!” can become somewhat cliché, so we can use Synonyms to express the same sentiment. Or can we? Take the word Abundant. That sounds like a good synonym for Enough, doesn’t it? If I say, I have Enough self-esteem, or I have Abundant self-esteem, I’m saying the same thing, right? What about Bellyful. That is also a synonym for Enough, according to Dictionary.com. Are we saying the same thing? The term, Bellyful implies we are not exactly happy about whatever we have enough of. Two more synonyms, Adequate and Last Straw, have almost opposing meanings. (Enough, n.d.) Even though they are synonyms of Enough, we need to be careful how we use the words, as they can be taken differently by different people. Whether using the words as nouns or adjectives is also going to have an effect on the meaning of the word. While some languages have only one word for one meaning, English uses a variety of words to convey a single meaning, each with its own unique and subtle distinction. (Ellis, 2022) Having a good command of the language means using the words appropriately. If you are tempted to use synonyms, be careful that you are using words that convey the meaning you wish to convey. Next time we will discuss Antonyms – or opposites. References
Ellis, M. (2022, August 16). Synonym: Definition and Examples. Retrieved from Grammarly.com: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/synonyms Enough. (n.d.). Retrieved from Dictionary.com: https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/enough WIL. (n.d.). How Many Words in the English Language. Retrieved from English Live: https://englishlive.ef.com/blog/language-lab/many-words-english-language/ |
AuthorI am a Performance Enhancement Specialist with a background in Emergency Psychiatric Medicine and Community Addiction. Archives
December 2023
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