Inevitably, as you’re writing your copy, you’ll come across a phrase that doesn’t seem to mean what you think it means. To help you figure out the correct meaning, you can consult an online copy dictionary. However, if you’re looking to quickly brush up on your copywriting skills or need some inspiration, you can take a look at the 10 most common words and meanings that warrant a reword.
No
When you’re first learning or doing copywriting, the word “no” can be tricky to navigate. After all, what is “no” in English? It can mean either “there is no need to,” “it is not necessary to,” or “the idea does not appeal to me.” To make matters more complicated, you have a double entendre when it comes to this word. You can use it to either mean “no” as in “I’m not interested” or as in “I don’t give a damn.”
As a beginner, you may want to keep your distance from this word. Instead, use words like “not” or “never” to indicate that something is not the case or will not happen. If you’re looking for a more subtle way to express “no,” consider using phrases like “not at all” or “in no way.”
Ridiculous
When you hear the word “ridiculous,” you probably think of something silly or funny. However, during a copywriting assignment, this word can have quite the opposite meaning. To be specific, “ridiculous” can mean “so improbable as to be unbelievable.” For example, if you were writing an article about the history of paper money or how to choose the right gift for someone, “ridiculous” can mean that the idea of selecting such a gift is so far-fetched that it doesn’t seem reasonable.
Dazzling
“Dazzling” can mean “making something seem bright, intricate, or beautiful” or “intriguing, intriguing, or attractive.” When you hear this word, you probably think of something highly polished or fancy. However, in copywriting, this word can also mean “making something difficult to understand or follow.” For example, if you’re writing a sales letter for a company that makes kitchen gadgets and appliances, you might want to keep your distance from this word. You might also want to avoid using “dazzling” when you’re describing a product. Instead, use words like “impeccable” or “sophisticated” to describe a product that is difficult to follow or use. If your aim is to make something appealing, use words like “gleaming” or “shining” rather than “dazzling.”
Sobering
If you heard the word “sobering” in the context of music, you might think of something sad or moody. However, in copywriting, this word can mean “having a sobering effect.” Specifically, “sobering” can mean “depressing” or “a warning of impending doom.” When you hear this word, you probably think of something severe or dark. However, in a creative writing or advertising assignment, you might want to use this word to refer to something good or valuable. For example, if you’re writing a nonfiction article about drug addiction, you might use this word to describe how drug addiction can be a painful yet ultimately helpful process.
Dazzlingly
“Dazzlingly” is one of those words that seems to mean whatever you want it to mean. However, if you’re looking for antonyms (opposites) for “dazzling,” you’ll have to look no further. A dazzlingly ugly piece of jewelry might dazzle you, but it would likely frighten someone else.
Fearsome
To be fearsome is to be intimidating or scary. If you’re writing about a mythical creature such as a dragon or a monster, you might want to use this word. However, if you’re writing about a person, you might want to keep your distance from this word. Behemoth might be an intimidating name for a monster or a dinosaur, but it’s not necessarily a flattering nickname. In fact, it can be somewhat fearsome.
Vivid
If you’ve ever seen the movie “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” you know what I’m talking about when I say that something is vivid. Specifically, if you’re writing about an image or something you’ve seen, you might want to use the word “vivid.” For example, if you’re writing about the fashion world, you might use this word to describe a brightly colored garment or accessory. If you want to paint a picture in words, use words like “luminous” or “brilliant” rather than “vivid.” If you want to be on the safe side, use “visual” rather than “vivid,” especially if you’re writing about a picture you’ve seen.
Exhilarating
If you’ve ever heard this word, you know exactly what it means. “Exhilarating” is an antonym for “dismaying.” If you’re looking for something that will brighten up your day, you might want to pull out your smartphone and check social media. However, if you’re writing about a piece of art or a movie, you might want to use this word. Specifically, if you’re writing about a play or musical, you might want to use this word to describe how the performance makes you feel. For example, if you’re reading a play, you might use “exhilarating” to describe how the dialogue makes you feel. If you’re watching a movie, you might use “exhilarating” to describe how the plot twists and turns keep you guessing.
Gigantic
If you’ve ever seen “Game of Thrones,” you know what I’m talking about when I use the word “gigantic.” Specifically, if you’re writing about a skyscraper or a building with many floors, you might want to use this word. However, if you’re writing about a person’s appearance, you might want to stay away from this word. The adjective “gigantic” can also mean “enormous” or “overwhelming.” To give you an idea of how much of a wallop this word can pack, “gigantic” is the antonym for “microscopic.” If you need a little more oomph, consider using a superlative such as “enormous” or “colossal.”
Hopefully, this list of antonyms will give you enough insight to know what each word means when you come across it in copywriting. Just remember: some words can have more than one meaning. For example, “ridiculous” can mean “making something seem bright, intricate, or beautiful” or “intriguing, intriguing, or attractive.” With that in mind, you can choose the right word for the right meaning.