40
find verb
Synonyms: find, discover, come across, encounter
Antonym: lose
Synonyms:
find
to see where something hidden or lost is after looking for it
I found a £2 coin behind the sofa. Did she find the book she was looking for?
discover
to find something new or to learn something for the first time
Which scientist discovered penicillin? We discovered that house had already been sold.
come across
(informal) to find something by chance
I came across this old photo when I was clearing out a drawer.
encounter
(formal) to meet someone or something unexpectedly
On the journey we encountered several amusing people. I have never encountered such hospitality anywhere else.
Antonym:
lose
to put or drop something somewhere and not to know where it is
41
follow verb
Synonyms: follow, chase, pursue, stalk
Antonym: lead
Synonyms:
follow
to come after or behind someone or something
What letter follows B in the alphabet? The dog followed me all the way home.
chase
to go after someone in order to try to catch him or her
They chased the burglars down the street.
pursue
(formal) to go after someone in order to try to catch him or her
The police pursued the stolen car across London. The boys fled, pursued by their older brother.
stalk
to stay near or follow someone and watch him or her all the time, especially in a way that is frightening or upsetting, or to follow an animal in order to kill it
She told the police that a man was stalking her. The hunters stalked the deer for several miles.
Antonym:
lead
to go in front to show someone the way
42
fragile adjective
Synonyms: fragile, delicate, breakable, flimsy
Antonyms: sturdy, strong
Synonyms:
fragile
made from materials that are easily broken
Be careful when you’re packing these plates – they’re very fragile.
delicate
made from materials that are thin and light and easily damaged a delicate fabric delicate skin
breakable
that can break easily
glasses and other breakable items
flimsy
likely to break because of being badly made
The shelter was a flimsy construction of bamboo and leaves.
Antonyms:
sturdy
well made and not easily damaged
strong
with a lot of strength and not easy to damage
43
friend noun
Synonyms: friend, acquaintance, companion, mate, pal Antonym: stranger
Synonyms:
friend
a person that you know well and like
She’s my best friend. We’re going on holiday with some friends from work.
acquaintance
a person you know slightly
She has many acquaintances at the sports club but no real friends.
companion
a person who is with someone
She turned to her companion and said a few words. My travelling companion spent the whole journey sleeping.
mate
(informal) a friend, especially a man’s friend
He’s gone to the pub with his mates.
pal
(dated informal) a friend
She’s meeting some old school pals for lunch.
Antonym:
stranger
a person whom you have never met