67
Paronyms
Textbook: pp. 119–120
GoalDistinguish paronyms and avoid confusing them in speech.
New words
paronym · paronimdelicate, elegant · nafisnoble, genuine · asilvalue, worth · qadr
Explanation
Words that are very similar in pronunciation and spelling but have different meanings are called paronyms. They usually differ by one or two sounds. For example: nafas — breath, nafis — delicate, elegant; asl — original, real, asil — noble, pure; qadr — value, respect, qadar — fate, or the meaning “until”. If we mix up paronyms, the sentence loses its sense or becomes funny. That is why it is useful to check the meaning of a doubtful word in an explanatory dictionary.
Worked examples
I took a deep breath. My sister made delicate embroidery.
The original copy of the document. A noble person does not lie.
Class activity
In pairs make a sentence with each word of a paronym pair. Then say how the meaning would break if the words were swapped.
Practice
1
What are paronyms?
Words very close in pronunciation and spelling but different in meaning.
2
Give the meanings of «nafas» and «nafis».
Nafas — breath; nafis — delicate, elegant.
3
What is the difference between «asl» and «asil»?
Asl — original, real; asil — noble, pure.
4
Which word fits: Vaqtning (qadr / qadar)iga yeting (value time).
Qadr: Vaqtning qadriga yeting.