Make Sense – Definition and Part of Speech
“Make sense” is a versatile phrase used predominantly as a verb or idiom. It implies that something is logical, comprehensible, or reasonable when considered under certain criteria or circumstances. The expression can also appear in different grammatical forms, such as “sensible,” an adjective meaning similar to making sense.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table of key synonyms for make sense, detailing their nuances and appropriate contexts for usage:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Be logical | Implies adherence to the principles of logic or rationality. | “Her argument makes sense because it is logical.” | Academic/Formal |
| Be coherent | Focuses on clarity and consistency in thought or presentation. | “His explanation was so detailed, it made perfect sense.” | Formal/Analytical |
| Comprehend | Emphasizes understanding from a cognitive standpoint. | “I finally comprehend how the pieces fit together.” | Academic/Cognitive |
| Be reasonable | Suggests practicality or sensibility in an argument or plan. | “It makes sense to be cautious when investing in volatile markets.” | Business/Pragmatic |
| Be sensible | Often used interchangeably with rational or judicious action. | “It is not sensible to spend all your savings at once.” | Everyday/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Business Writing: In business contexts, “be reasonable” and “make sense” are often preferred for their implications of practicality. For example, suggesting that a plan makes sense can imply it’s feasible within resource constraints.
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Academic Papers: Phrases like “be logical” or “be coherent” fit well in academic writing, where structured arguments and clear reasoning are essential.
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Casual Speech: Everyday conversations benefit from using “make sense” itself due to its broad applicability and ease of understanding. “Be sensible” can also be used more frequently in informal settings when discussing decisions.
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Creative Writing: In creative contexts, synonyms such as “comprehend” or “coherent” might add depth by focusing on the character’s internal thought process or narrative structure, respectively.
Common Pitfalls
When exploring these synonyms, it’s crucial to remember that they aren’t always interchangeable. For example:
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Using “be logical” for an emotionally driven argument may seem out of place since logic and emotions don’t typically align.
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Confusing “comprehend” with “make sense”; the former emphasizes understanding over logical consistency.
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In informal settings, substituting “coherent” might sound overly formal or pedantic unless you’re aiming for a specific tone.
Final Recap
To summarize:
- Make Sense: General, versatile term suitable for various contexts.
- Be Logical/Coherent: Suitable for analytical discussions emphasizing clarity and consistency.
- Comprehend: Focuses on the cognitive aspect of understanding.
- Be Reasonable/Sensible: More pragmatic choices reflecting practicality.
Encourage learners to experiment by incorporating these synonyms into different scenarios, such as writing business emails, academic essays, or casual conversations. This practice will help solidify their grasp and enhance vocabulary proficiency in contextually relevant ways.