English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions — Story, Setting & Ideas

Distinctions Rooted in Etymology and Logic

Fernald frequently anchors his synonym distinctions in the original Latin or Greek roots of words. For instance, under 'Prevent,' he notes that the word originally meant 'to come before' or 'act in advance of,' a sense preserved in the King James Bible (Matthew 17:25: 'Jesus prevented him'). He contrasts this with 'forestall,' which implies acting in one's own behalf to the prejudice of others, and 'anticipate,' which carries a favorable connotation of meeting a wish before it is expressed. Such etymological grounding allows Fernald to explain why certain words are appropriate in specific contexts. He also employs logical categories: 'obviate' literally means 'to stop the way of,' while 'preclude' means 'to close in advance.' These precise definitions help readers see the conceptual boundaries between synonyms, moving beyond mere substitution to thoughtful word choice.

The Role of Prepositions in Meaning

A distinctive feature of this work is its consistent attention to prepositions. Each synonym entry typically ends with a 'Prepositions' note, as in the entry for 'Prejudice': 'Against; rarely, in favor of, in one's favor.' Fernald treats prepositions as integral to meaning: they can shift the nuance of a verb or noun, and their correct use is a mark of polished writing. For example, under 'Prevent,' he specifies 'He was prevented by illness from joining the expedition,' showing the preposition 'from' as essential to the construction. This focus reflects the book's subtitle and its practical aim: to help users avoid common errors like 'prevent to do' or 'different than.' By isolating prepositional patterns, Fernald turns a frequent source of confusion into a systematic area of study.

Moral and Social Nuances in Word Choice

Fernald does not shy away from the ethical and social dimensions of language. In the entry for 'Pretense,' he distinguishes 'pretense' (unfavorable, concealing reality) from 'pretext' (a reason advanced to hide the true motive). He offers a vivid example: 'a tricky schoolboy makes a pretense of doing an errand which he does not do, or he makes the actual doing of an errand a pretext for playing truant.' Similarly, under 'Prejudice,' he notes that 'a prepossession is always favorable, a prejudice always unfavorable, unless the contrary is expressly stated.' These observations reveal Fernald's awareness that word choice carries moral weight—selecting 'prejudice' over 'prepossession' implies a judgment. The book thus serves not only as a reference for correctness but as a guide to the ethical implications of language, encouraging readers to choose words that accurately reflect intent and social context.

Fernald's work rewards careful reading, not just occasional lookup. The entries are dense with logical distinctions and illustrative examples that build a coherent system of thought about language. Readers will benefit from comparing related entries—for instance, 'Prevent' with 'Hinder' or 'Prohibit'—to see how Fernald maps the boundaries between concepts. The preposition notes, though brief, are among the most practical features; marking them for quick reference can prevent common errors. This is a book that treats language as a craft, where every word choice is an opportunity for precision.

Fernald’s careful sorting of words feels like tidying a cluttered shelf, each shade finding its place. It made me think of that old index volume, How to Use the Popular Science Library; History of Science; General Index — Reading Notes, where knowledge itself waits patiently for a reader’s quiet finger. Both are quiet doorways, not destinations. I remember the comfort of such faithful companions.