The Issue of Definition of Synonyms and Solution Proposals with Examples

Abstract

Whether there is synonymy in language continues to be one of the issues discussed. An important problem at this point is that dictionaries prefer to define synonyms with each other rather than separately. This situation causes dictionary users to be unable to comprehend the difference in meaning and usage between words, and in this direction, they wander in a vicious circle in their mind and expression worlds. In this study, it is aimed to determine the differences in meaning and usage between some words that are seen as synonyms in Turkish. These words are: yüz, çehre, sima, surat; arzulamak/arzu etmek, dilemek, istemek; izin, müsaade, ruhsat. The research was conducted in qualitative research design and document analysis was conducted. The data set of the research consists of dictionaries and corpus as it contains sample uses and novels, which are distinguished products of Turkish literature. The data collected through document analysis were analysed through content analysis. In the study, the definitions and sample uses of the words seen as synonyms in different dictionaries were examined and the differences in meaning and usage of these words were tried to be revealed.