1-Meaning-and-Style Flashcards
restricted
controlled or limited
ambiguous
not clear; able to be explained in different ways
ambiguity n
self-explanatory
easy to understand and not needing more explanation
precise
clear and accurate; exact
precision n
virtually
almost
ironically
using words to say the opposite of what you mean.
e.g.
‘Thank you for your help Sam,’ she said ironically. Sam hadn’t helped at all.
literal
the literal meaning of a word or expression is its basic or original meaning
e.g.
A trade war is not a war in the literal sense.
literally adv
figurative
a figurative word or phrase is used in a different way from its usual meaning, to give you a particular idea or picture in your mind
e.g.
He’s my son, in the figurative sense of the word.
figuratively adv
golden opportunity
a good chance to get something valuable or to be very successful
e.g.
He wasted a golden opportunity when he missed from the penalty spot.
metaphorical
figurative; a metaphorical use of a word is not concerned with real objects or physical events, but with ideas or events of a non-physical kind
e.g.
The word has a metaphorical as well as a literal meaning.
metaphor n
have a heart of gold
being very kind
e.g.
She has a heart of gold.