What is the difference between partial and total synonyms?


I am really confused with these terms. In my notes from lexicology lectures, partial synonyms are words which differ in emotional color, valency, style, or grammar. In some cases, I can’t see which of these apply, for example, the following pairs:



  • eat/consume

  • help/aid

  • plenty/many

  • former/older

  • nest/colonize


Is there another way to define or explain the difference between partial and total synonyms? Or a better list of the possible differences?




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