Investigating Difficulties Encountered by EFL Students in Understanding and Using Synonyms and Antonyms

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the difficulties encountered by EFL students in understanding and using of synonyms and antonyms in English language. The study adopted the descriptive and analytical methods. The sample of the study was limited to the third year students of secondary level. It was randomly selected and consisted of (thirty) third year students of secondary level. The study has come up with results as follows: students of secondary level cannot understand synonyms appropriately, they are unable to understand antonyms perfectly. The researcher recommends as follows: students of secondary school should refer to the dictionary of synonyms and antonyms and they should consult the New Advanced Learner’s Dictionaries of English Language.