用词源学是分辨 近义词的 一个好方法。
以 clumsy 和 awkward 为例:
Awkward :Origin:
1300–50; ME, equiv. to awk(e), auk(e) backhanded, OE *afoc (
Clumsy: clumsy
1597, from M.E. clumsid "numb with cold," pp. of clumsen "to benumb," from O.N. klumsa, intens. of kluma "to make motionless."
现在觉得很好分辨了吧。