Substitution versus synonym
During a recent conversation with a colleague I slowly began to grasp the concept behind the difference between substitutes and synonyms. The power of words is something we often take for granted or disregard. It is easy to view words in their simplest form as functions of language that are expressed to communicate meaning. I could go way deeper into this underlying principle with my theory of human communication, but that concept is so deep it requires a blog post of its own, the highlights can be found here. Words DO in fact have meaning and value. The impact of that meaning or value depends on the context. Connotation, which I believe to be a function of context, is crucial to conveying meaning.
The connotation of the words we use can have many lasting effects on communication. The impression left on the receiver of the communication can vary by many degrees, all depending on the connotation. A negative connotation can leave the receiver in a state of discontent, pessimism, or even anger. A positive connotation can leave the receiver in a state of optimism, content, or joy.
What this all boils down to is that we must be cautious of the words we use, and understand the difference between substitutes and synonyms. The substitute can replace another similar word, but it is not a synonym for it because it can change the connotation. Connotation can mean a lot in a business setting. The situation that brought about this posting was when my colleague attempted to use the word “uncharted” to describe events that were yet to come. We both immediately felt the negative connotation from “uncharted” and agreed it was not appropriate for the context, nor the connotation we sought to convey to our audience.
A scholar once said that our culture has used the word “try” far too often, in many cases where it is not synonymous with the desired word. “Try” can have a negative connotation. To me it means an attempt in progress that is unsuccessful. “What my partner is trying to say (and is being unsuccessful at) is…”. “We are trying to come up with a solution (but we are currently unsuccessful)…” The scholar noted that a more appropriate substitution should be the word “work”. “What my partner is working to say is…”. “We are working on a solution…”. In both of these cases the substation provides a more positive and desired connotation.
Other examples of substitutes versus synonyms that create a positive connotation are as follows:
expensive versus cost effective
cheap versus inexpensive
solution versus answer or response
afforded versus made possible
a mechanism versus a way
Whenever possible, a master should contemplate the connotation he or she may desire, and use the appropriate substitution instead of a common term to achieve it. In the business setting, connotation can be the difference between achieving and failing.