Crossword puzzle : Nuances of meaning in English

ByVocaVerb
Nuances of meaning in English [B2] — VocaVerb

English is full of words that look like synonyms but carry subtle differences in meaning. Can you tell apart refuse and decline, or famous and notorious? In this crossword, you’ll explore pairs and groups of words that are easy to confuse, sharpening your precision and vocabulary at B2 level.

Grid

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

Clues

Across

  1. 1. Later in time than another event
  2. 5. unclear in meaning or expression
  3. 8. using figures of speech not literal
  4. 10. To push a button on keypad
  5. 12. relating to surrounding circumstances
  6. 14. involving symbolic comparison of ideas
  7. 17. implied meaning beyond literal sense
  8. 18. For repeated past actions

Down

  1. 2. In that place
  2. 3. To a certain or fairly significant extent
  3. 4. taking words in exact basic sense
  4. 6. Past form of may in reporting
  5. 7. Separated by distance
  6. 9. relating to effective use of language
  7. 11. Having little length or duration
  8. 13. Without pattern or design
  9. 15. Are not in short form
  10. 16. Past form of can used in backshift

Answers

Show the answers

Across

  • 1. Later in time than another event → after
  • 5. unclear in meaning or expression → vague
  • 8. using figures of speech not literal → figurative
  • 10. To push a button on keypad → press
  • 12. relating to surrounding circumstances → contextual
  • 14. involving symbolic comparison of ideas → metaphorical
  • 17. implied meaning beyond literal sense → connotation
  • 18. For repeated past actions → would

Down

  • 2. In that place → there
  • 3. To a certain or fairly significant extent → quite
  • 4. taking words in exact basic sense → literal
  • 6. Past form of may in reporting → might
  • 7. Separated by distance → apart
  • 9. relating to effective use of language → rhetorical
  • 11. Having little length or duration → short
  • 13. Without pattern or design → plain
  • 15. Are not in short form → arent
  • 16. Past form of can used in backshift → could

To go further on this topic:

Review the lesson · Practice exercises

Previous lesson: Improvising in English : complete courseNext lesson: Analyzing a situation in English : complete course