Use thesaurus entries

7th W.5 Use Thesaurus Entries by Delta publications

Key Notes :

What is a Thesaurus?

A thesaurus is a reference book (or online tool) that lists words grouped together according to similarity of meaning (synonyms) and sometimes antonyms (words with opposite meanings). Think of it as a treasure chest 🧰 of words! It helps you find different ways to express yourself.

  • Identify the word you want to replace in your sentence.
  • Look up the word in the thesaurus (either a physical book or an online thesaurus like Merriam-Webster or Thesaurus.com).
  • Read the list of synonyms provided.
  • Consider the nuances of each synonym. Synonyms aren’t always perfect replacements. They often have slightly different shades of meaning.
  • Substitute the synonym into your sentence and see if it fits the context and sounds right.
  • Check a dictionary if you’re unsure of a synonym’s meaning.
Why Use a Thesaurus?

A thesaurus is a fantastic tool for:

  • Expanding your vocabulary: Discover new words and enrich your writing.
  • Avoiding repetition: Prevent your writing from becoming monotonous by using varied language. Instead of writing ‘the dog was happy, the dog was happy, the dog was happy‘, you could write ‘the dog was happy, the dog was joyful, the dog was elated‘.
  • Finding the perfect word: A thesaurus helps you find the most precise and impactful word for your intended meaning.
  • Improving your writing: By using a thesaurus, you can make your writing more interesting, sophisticated, and engaging.
Examples

Let’s say you have the sentence: ‘The big dog barked loudly.’

Using a thesaurus, you could replace ‘big’ with synonyms like:

  • Large
  • Huge
  • Enormous
  • Giant
  • Immense

Depending on the size of the dog, you could choose the most appropriate synonym. ‘The huge dog barked loudly’ sounds more descriptive than ‘The large dog barked loudly’ if the dog is exceptionally big.

Another example: ‘The student was sad after failing the test.’

Possible synonyms for ‘sad’ include:

  • Unhappy
  • Depressed
  • Mournful
  • Dejected
  • Glum

You could rewrite the sentence as: ‘The student was dejected after failing the test.’

Tips for Choosing the Best Synonyms
Consider the Context:

Think about the overall tone and style of your writing. Choose synonyms that fit the context.

Some words have formal synonyms, while others are more casual. Select words that are appropriate for your audience and purpose.		Pay Attention to Nuances:

Synonyms aren’t always interchangeable. They often have slightly different shades of meaning or connotations (associated feelings or ideas).

Example: ‘Happy’ and ‘ecstatic’ both mean joyful, but ‘ecstatic’ suggests a much stronger level of joy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a Word You Don’t Know:

Always check the definition of a synonym in a dictionary before using it. Don’t assume you know what it means!

It’s better to use a simpler word you understand than a complex word you misuse.		Changing the Meaning:

Be careful not to choose a synonym that alters the original meaning of your sentence.

Ensure the synonym fits grammatically and logically within the sentence.
Summary

In summary, a thesaurus is a valuable tool for expanding vocabulary, avoiding repetition, and improving writing. By understanding how to use a thesaurus effectively and being mindful of context and nuances, you can enhance your ability to express yourself clearly and creatively in your writing. Happy writing! 🎉

Let’s practice!