Stop Seeking Synonyms: Some Things will Never be Resplendent

Summary

The author, G.P. Gottlieb, expresses frustration over misused language, particularly the inappropriate application of grandiose descriptors to mundane subjects, emphasizing the importance of precise word choice in both writing and conversation.

Abstract

G.P. Gottlieb, an author and podcaster, shares her exasperation with the misuse of language, citing specific examples such as the incorrect labeling of Debussy's "Claire de Lune" as a concerto and the description of beef stew as "resplendent." She argues for clarity and accuracy in language, suggesting that words should be chosen for their appropriateness rather than their perceived sophistication. Gottlieb points out that certain terms, such as "resplendent," should be reserved for objects or experiences that truly inspire awe, like a double rainbow or a significant symphony, rather than everyday meals or incorrect musical classifications. She advises writers and speakers to avoid pretentious language and to be mindful of grammatical correctness, recommending straightforward words when they suffice. The author concludes by cautioning that the misuse of language can distract and alienate the audience, potentially affecting the reception of a book or a speech.

Opinions

Misusing grand words for common subjects, such as calling a beef stew "resplendent," is inappropriate and distracting.
Precision in language is crucial; a "concerto" should not be used to describe a piece like Debussy's "Claire de Lune," which is not a concerto.
Using overly complicated words, like "utilize" instead of "use," does not make one sound smarter and can be grammatically incorrect.
The author believes that the incorrect use of language can lead to a negative reception of written or spoken content, potentially causing readers or listeners to disengage.
She emphasizes that language should be "appetizing," "satisfying," or "filling" rather than unnecessarily ornate, and one should be parsimonious with words like "delicious."
The author suggests that the overuse of synonyms found through Google can result in a lack of clarity and authenticity in communication.
Gottlieb implies that the misuse of language is not just a writer's issue but a common problem that can be improved with more thoughtful word choice.

Stop Seeking Synonyms: Some Things will Never be Resplendent

The resplendent bride and her equally resplendent bridesmaids (photo by Janelle Rose Photography)

I recently threw a book across the room because I was so disturbed that the author used the word “concerto,” to describe Debussy’s Claire de Lune. Can you imagine? It’s the third movement of Debussy’s Suite Bergamasque for piano, and you might recognize it as a soundtrack from several movies. Although it would be fine to call Claire de Lune a section or part of a suite, a concerto is comprised of several movements and involves highlighting one instrument against an orchestral background. Doesn’t everyone know that?

Not long after that outrage, I started reading a novel in which a beef stew is described as “resplendent.” I deleted the novel from my kindle and headed straight to the kitchen to prepare a warm, nourishing vegetable curry with quinoa. The dish was scrumptious in that umami way that lights up all your taste buds with just enough heat to tickle your tongue. It was fragrant, subtly spiced, and creamy. It was bright, lemony, and delectable. It wasn’t resplendent, because that’s not the right word to use for chopped vegetables and grain mixed in a sauce.

Beef stew might be enticing to a famished person who likes meat. It could be splendid, marvelous, and impressive. But it is not and will never be stunning, dazzling, or resplendent, no matter how many times you check Google for synonyms.

Can we all agree, in the interest of clarity, that a novel is not an essay, a band is not an orchestra, and a creek is not a river? It would be like describing me as a tall, willowy blond dressed in high couture, when I am in fact a petite, gray-headed grandmother who wears sensible shoes (most of the time).

What is stunning? Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. The Impressionist exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. A necklace I’ve been eyeing through a shop window on Michigan Ave. My daughters on their wedding days.

What is dazzling? A first look into the eyes of your beloved. The Aurora Borealis over the North Woods. Newly fallen snow at the crack of dawn. The sun, sparkling on Lake Michigan. Perhaps your teeth, immediately after they’ve been whitened.

What is resplendent? A double rainbow, sunset over the mountains, a deep crystal-green ocean. Me (in my own mind), in the sequined, navy dress I wore to my son’s wedding. His beautiful bride and her stunning bridesmaids.

The Resplendent, Sequeined Navy Dress and the Usually Accomplished, Handsome Groom and his Groomsmen in a moment of Frivolity (Janelle Rose Photography)

Want to know what is not resplendent, even if you’re searching for sizzling synonyms to use in your soon-to-be-best-selling but currently in-process novel or story?

Beef, other meats, roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or green salad, even if it’s sprinkled with toasted pine nuts, are not resplendent. Most food you serve to your family is probably not resplendent. Describe it as appetizing, melt-in-the-mouth, satisfying, filling, or delicious-looking (although be parsimonious in using the word “delicious”).

Don’t just check a list of synonyms and choose one because it sounds sexy and hasn’t yet been used. I’m talking to everyone, not just writers (although mostly writers). Will all of you please stop trying to sound smarter by using bigger words? It doesn’t work and it’s not always grammatically correct.

You do not need to ‘utilize’ the restroom when ‘use’ will suffice. It’s not “Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and myself,” who are sipping dirty martinis at the bar. It’s “Frank, Dean, and I are sipping dirty martinis at the bar.” If you say: “abolutely essential, completely eliminate, and briefly summarize,” you’re just being repetitive (more on this in my upcoming essay about annoying adverbs).

When you hear or read a jarring word or phrase that distracts you from the story, isn’t it more likely that you’ll want to toss it or stop listening to it, even if the speaker has beautiful, sea-green eyes? If it’s a book you’re reading, will you still want to finish it, rate it well, and tell your friends to read it? Perhaps, like me, it’ll inspire you to stop reading and bang out an essay like this one. Or you’ll keep reading, but you’ll sigh while imagining how much better you’d have done if you’d been the author.

Just know, that if you use the most pretentious but not necessarily correct words or descriptions when you speak or write, tall, willowy blond authors everywhere will be gnashing their dazzling teeth.

G.P. Gottlieb writes the Whipped and Sipped Mystery series (D.X. Varos Publishing), which are filled with snarky observations, excellent recipes, and murders that you will NOT be able to solve. She has interviewed nearly 200 authors as a host for New Books in Literature, a podcast channel on the New Books Network. For more information, visit gpgottlieb.com.