language exchange

[Irene1972]

I know English fairly well but as every Ukrainian living not in English-speaking country am struggling with the use of words, synonyms, slight difference between them, out-of-date words, etc. In other words, everything that I would pick naturally if lived, say, in GB or Australia. Is there anybody interested in studying Russian or Ukrainian? Then we could start our mutually benefiting correspondence and help each other. I read English literature all the time, especially classics. Now I"m on Modern language short stories, before it was Maugham. All the time I stumble against words that I want to know how to use and what the difference is with similar meaning words I already know. I do need an advice of a native-speaker now and then, well, actually on a regular basis. Anybody interested?

[millgirl]

Hi, I am willing to help you in anyway I can. I am trying to teach myself Ukrainian from a book and it is very difficult, especially with no one around to "speak" to. Let me know how I can help you. Kim

[Irene1972]

Very kind of you, Kim. I get questions reading books. Usually it's words or expressions I have doubts about. After one day reading I have a sometimes extensive list of words. If I could give it to you asking to tell me if it means this or how it's different from synonym this or if it's used in modern language 'cause I've never heard it spoken. And so on. Write me to randal_bond@yahoo.com However, if you don't wish to reveal your address we can exchange mails on Ukraine.com then others may want to participate and put their five cents in a slot (:

[Irene1972]

for example these symonyms drive me mad. What is teh difference on earth between "presumptious" and "arrogant". Please don't say "there's not much difference". If these are two differnet words there shoud be some differene. Or "preposterious" and "absurd". Which on is used more often?

[JG]

Hi,

I am a native English speaker but no language expert so others may have better definitions....

Presumptious - said of someone who presumes they can do something without asking permission. For example, if a guest in someone's house takes some fruit without it first being offered, this would be considered presumptious behaviour.

Arrogant - said of someone who acts as if they are more important than those around them. This applies regardless of whether they are in reality more important or not.


Preposterous and Absurd are much closer. Preposterous is typicaly associated more with a ridiculous idea, suggestion or situation from a person or entity.

Absurd is more widely used and can also be said of a situation that has simply happened without anyone being responsible.

Ciao
JG

P.S. As I am English that was my tuppence worth, as opposed to my five cents worth :-)