Theme

Materials: synonyms worth the distinction

Substance words describe texture as much as composition, which is why oily maps onto greasy and mucky onto muddy. Sensory vocabulary with almost no formal register to it.

12 words · 12 audited pairs · 5 of 5 tiers represented

Start hereOne per tier, easiest first

earthnoungroundthe loose soft material that makes up a large part of the land surfaceFoothillsHas a reason line gemnounstonea crystalline rock that can be cut and polished for jewelryTreelineHas a reason line oilyadjectivegreasysmeared or soiled with grease or oilRidgeline2 sensesHas a reason line

The whole shelfGrouped by difficulty tier

FoothillsTier 1 · everyday words · 2 words

Words you already use, paired with a synonym you probably also know.

Every word at Foothills, across all themes

TreelineTier 2 · one step up · 3 words

Familiar words, with a synonym that sits slightly outside daily speech.

Every word at Treeline, across all themes

RidgelineTier 3 · solid vocabulary · 3 words

The middle of the bank, where the near misses start to bite.

Every word at Ridgeline, across all themes

High CampTier 4 · testing · 4 words

Words that turn up in serious reading rather than in conversation.

Every word at High Camp, across all themes

SummitTier 5 · rare and formal · 2 words

The rare register: literary, legal and technical English.

Every word at Summit, across all themes

Materials is one shelf of many

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