In elementary school, we learn that synonyms are two or more words or expressions of the same language that have the same or nearly the same meaning in some or all senses. True enough, although in fact, there are very few synonyms that have exactly the same meaning. There are usually slight differences in the meaning of words we consider synonyms, even though we might easily replace one word with the other in any given sentence. In this post, we’ll analyze a pair of words that are considered synonyms as well as a set of three words also considered synonyms and identify the subtle differences these words have from each other.

Recall, Remember, Recollect

All three words above refer to bringing past experiences, events, or knowledge to awareness. However, “recall” denotes a more deliberate effort to access and bring forth stored memories while “remember” involves an intentional but more spontaneous retrieval of memories. To elaborate on this difference, “remember” is a more general term, describing memories that spring into the consciousness without a deliberate effort and without detail. “Recall,” on the other hand, suggests actively retrieving — and perhaps even searching for — specific facts and details about something from the past. Consider this example:

I recall (rather than remember) the day when a truck ran a stop sign by my house and almost hit a woman pushing a baby carriage.

I remember (rather than recall) a time when we didn’t have to worry about reckless drivers coming through our neighborhood.

To be sure, “remember” and “recall” are similar enough in meaning that using the former in the first sentence and the latter in the second sentence would not likely cause any confusion. But the preciseness of the situation described in the first sentence makes “recall” a better choice. Similarly, the imprecise phrase “a time when…” makes “remember” more appropriate in the second sentence.

Now let’s complicate matters a little more by throwing in the word “recollect.” This word really does have the same meaning as “recall”; that is, a more active and detailed bringing forth of memories. “Recollect” could replace “recall” in the first sample sentence without changing its meaning in the slightest. It might be noted, as an aside, that “recall” has an additional meaning beyond its reference to summoning memories. It can mean for an individual, often a government official, to be ordered back or be summoned back to their point of origin, from wherever they are.

The ambassador was recalled to Washington after threats of violence arose in the area surrounding the embassy.

Or that government official, if elected by the voters, can be “recalled” to face the voters again before his or her term is completed. *

The governor was only one year into his term when he faced a recall election after it was revealed he cheated on his taxes.

Jealousy, Envy

Both jealousy and envy refer to adverse feelings about how one views their possessions and/or condition in life compared to someone else’s. And, more often than not, one word could replace the other in a sentence without causing any confusion. Just the same, there is an important difference in the meanings of the two words.

Envy is a desire for someone else’s possessions, skills, privileges, or good fortune, and the frustration of not having them. In contrast, jealousy arises when an individual fears losing something of value to some undeserving other person. The jealousy can be real even if the fear is unjustified. Consider the sample sentences below.

Ann felt great envy when Joan was crowned homecoming queen.

Bill felt a surge of jealousy when he saw George flirting with his girlfriend.

Envy is the right word to use in the first sentence, since Ann, with or without good reason, feels she should be homecoming queen instead of Joan. In the second sentence, jealousy is the right word to use since Bill fears losing something of value — his girlfriend — to the undeserving George, whether that fear is justified or not.

In the next post, I’ll look at two or three other sets of words that are considered synonyms despite having some slight differences in their meaning. Remember to read this post as soon as it comes out, so you don’t have to envy anyone who reads it before you.