This podcast challenges the idea that two words really can have the same meaning. In each episode, we’ll compare two synonyms, and dig deep to find differences in connotation, formality, sense & more.

No Such Thing as a Synonym

In this introductory episode, I’ll explain how this podcast will go beyond dictionary definitions and challenge the idea that two words can actually have exactly the same meaning.

I’m your host Emma, an Italki teacher with four years’ experience in editing and teaching writing skills. I’m bringing my passion for the intricacies of the English language to this podcast, where I’ll explain the subtle, pragmatic differences between a pair of synonyms each week. 

This might mean, for example, that one of the two words is more formal than the other, or creates more of a negative meaning, or has specific connotations that mean it’s only suitable for a certain topic, or level, or audience.

So, when you’re writing your next email, chapter, letter, or essay, you can feel confident that you’re choosing the perfect word for the situation.

So, get your magnifying glass and join me on this investigation into vocabularly!

00: Introduction

In the first episode of No Such Thing as a Synonym, we kick things off with a pair of very familiar verbs: "see" and "watch". 

When you look up these words in a dictionary you’ll find they have virtually identical definitions. However, I want to let you in on a secret – the dictionary isn’t telling you the whole story. 

In this episode, we’ll explore the pragmatic and subtle differences between the two words, including the difference between “seeing a film” and “watching a film” and “seeing someone fall off their bike” and “watching someone fall off their bike”. 

Listen along to learn something new!

01: See & Watch

In the second episode of No Such Thing as a Synonym, we explore a common pair of adverbs: "nearly" and "almost".   

When you look up these words in a dictionary you’ll find they have virtually identical definitions. However, I want to let you in on a secret – the dictionary isn’t telling you the whole story.

In this episode, we’ll explore the pragmatic and subtle differences between the two words, including the difference between "nearly perfect" and "almost perfect" and why we don’t usually use "nearly" with emotions, as in "I felt nearly giddy with excitement".

Listen along to learn something new!