Words and Shades of Meaning

Contributor: Stefani Allegretti. Lesson ID: 13925

Did you know that words have different shades of meaning, just like colors have different shades? It's true! In this lesson, you'll explore words with different shades of meaning.

categories

Comprehension, Grammar

subject
English / Language Arts
learning style
Auditory, Visual
personality style
Beaver
Grade Level
Primary (K-2)
Lesson Type
Quick Query

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Look at the hot pink and light pink colors below. The hot pink color is bold and stands out! It is almost like it is shouting at you!

pink shades

The light pink color, however, is soft. It is more calming to look at.

Both colors are still pink, yet they are different. They make us feel differently when we see them too.

It is the same with words! Words can have different shades of meaning. Some can be bold and big; others can be softer and smaller. Let's learn more!

Look at the adjectives large and gigantic in the sentences below. Remember, adjectives are words that describe nouns.

dinosaur

  • Both words describe the dinosaur, but which one is bolder and tells you that the dinosaur is very big in size?

If you are thinking gigantic, great work! The word gigantic still means large, but it is more than large. It is very, very large. It is gigantic!

Try another one. This time, look at words that tell about feelings.

emoticons

These words all say that you are feeling good.

  • Yet, if you are fantastic, you are feeling better than just good, right?

Yes! So, all these words have different levels of strength or intensity. Some describe stronger feelings than others, even though they all mean someone is doing well.


Now, look at some different verbs. Remember, verbs are doing words.

mouse

cat and mouse

Both words, peeked and stared, tell you that the little mouse is looking at the cat, but they mean slightly different things.

Peeking means to look very quickly. Staring means to look for a longer time and to look at someone or something right in the eyes.

This is another example of words having shades of meaning. Good work!

Review as you watch the video below.

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Many words have slightly different meanings.

Move to the Got It? section and practice what you've learned!

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