Crossword puzzle : Lexical nuances in English

ByVocaVerb
Lexical nuances in English [C1] — VocaVerb

Ready to put your command of English to the test? This crossword challenges you to explore the subtleties that distinguish near-synonyms, collocations, and register variations in advanced English vocabulary. From connotation to nuance, every clue invites you to think precisely about word meaning and usage — the hallmark of a truly proficient speaker.

Grid

Fill in the grid: pick a square, read the clue and type your answer.

Clues

Across

  1. 1. Not clean, opposite of pure
  2. 6. exaggerated statement for emphasis
  3. 7. Question word for place
  4. 10. modal showing ability or possibility
  5. 12. implied meaning beyond literal sense
  6. 13. Not true, opposite of true
  7. 17. using metaphor not literal meaning
  8. 18. Past form of may used in backshift

Down

  1. 2. relating to effective use of language
  2. 3. having the same or similar meaning
  3. 4. study of word forms and structure
  4. 5. relating to words or spoken language
  5. 7. For repeated past actions
  6. 8. everyday language of common people
  7. 9. subtle difference in meaning or tone
  8. 11. literal dictionary meaning of a word
  9. 13. Argue or struggle with someone
  10. 14. ending added to modify a word
  11. 15. Morally or factually correct
  12. 16. total vocabulary of a language

Answers

Show the answers

Across

  • 1. Not clean, opposite of pure → dirty
  • 6. exaggerated statement for emphasis → hyperbole
  • 7. Question word for place → where
  • 10. modal showing ability or possibility → could
  • 12. implied meaning beyond literal sense → connotation
  • 13. Not true, opposite of true → false
  • 17. using metaphor not literal meaning → figurative
  • 18. Past form of may used in backshift → might

Down

  • 2. relating to effective use of language → rhetorical
  • 3. having the same or similar meaning → synonymous
  • 4. study of word forms and structure → morphology
  • 5. relating to words or spoken language → verbal
  • 7. For repeated past actions → would
  • 8. everyday language of common people → vernacular
  • 9. subtle difference in meaning or tone → nuance
  • 11. literal dictionary meaning of a word → denotation
  • 13. Argue or struggle with someone → fight
  • 14. ending added to modify a word → suffix
  • 15. Morally or factually correct → right
  • 16. total vocabulary of a language → lexis

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