Explain how the nouns in each of these pairs differ in meaning?

Question

1. opponent ; enemy

2. jungle ; forest

3. servant ; slave

4. sermon ; lecture

Answer 1

An opponent is someone in temporary competition with you, perhaps in a sporting event or match. When this is over, there is no ongoing grudge or further threat. An enemy is someone who threatens your life or well being; they have a personal grudge against you or are members of another country or faction's military force under orders to kill or capture you.

A jungle is concentrated tropical vegetation with plants including tall trees, creepers, vines and undergrowth; difficult to traverse, while a forest is usually in a colder environment with trees, either natural or planted by man, and can usually be walked through.

A servant is the paid (in money and/or in kind) employee of a person or wealthy family, basically free to come and go; a slave is considered to be the personal property of another without freedom or other rights, to be used for any purpose the owner wants.

A sermon is an imploring speech made by a cleric preaching some aspect of his religion to his followers. A lecture is a speech with a theme or message on any topic.