HFCC Learning Lab
Dictionary Skills K2.0
USING THE THESAURUS
English is a language with an exceptionally rich vocabulary; therefore, it is not necessary
to repeatedly use a word in your writing and speaking. With a wealth of synonyms
(words with the same meaning and antonyms (words with the opposite meaning) you
can use just the right word to say what you wish to communicate.
The resource book that specializes in synonyms and antonyms is the thesaurus.
The reference book lists synonyms and antonyms but usually does not define them.
The most commonly used thesaurus is The American Roget’s College Thesaurus, a
paperback reference book, required by many college writing instructors.
A thesaurus can help you locate words you already know. For example, if you have
difficulty recalling synonyms for rich, by referring to a thesaurus you will be reminded
of wealthy, affluent and other familiar words that you could use. However, before using
unfamiliar words listed in a thesaurus, you should first refer to a dictionary to learn what
they mean and how they are used correctly.
Roget’s II The New thesaurus, Expanded Edition by the editors of The American
Heritage Dictionary is the latest thesaurus to be published. In this new reference, all
entries have clear definitions, so you will know if you have found the right word. The
illustrative examples eliminate the need to guess at the word’s usage, so you do not need
to consult a dictionary. This thesaurus also provides synonyms, near-synonyms, idioms,
antonyms,
and near-antonyms on the same page, making your task easier.
As an example of two the use of synonyms can give your writing more color and variety,
consider the effect of the repetition of word beach in the following passage:
There is nothing better than a cloudless summer day at the beach. As the sun
warms the beach, many sun worshippers dive into the cool, refreshing ocean.
At the edge of the beach, the young at heart construct sand castles, and children
frolic in the beach’s tidal pools. For those interested in other pursuits, the
boardwalk along the beach offers an amusement area, complete with rides
and games.
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Because the word beach is used so often in the passage, a reader can easily lose interest.
To solve this problem, the writer might turn to a thesaurus to locate synonyms. Compare
the original version to this revised passage:
There is nothing better than a cloudless summer day at the coast. As the sun
warms the sand, many sun worshipers dive into the cool, refreshing ocean.
At the edge of the shoreline, the young at heart construct sand castles, and
children frolic in the beach’s tidal pools. For those interested in other
pursuits, the boardwalk along the strand offers an amusement area, complete
with rides and games.
Without altering the meaning of the passage, the revision now retains the reader’s interest
since synonyms reduce the repetition of the word beach. So as you can see, a thesaurus
can provide you with numerous synonyms to enliven your writing.
However, remember that a thesaurus is not a dictionary. It will not provide definitions or
give information about general connotations of words unless you are using the new
Roget’s ll Thesaurus. Therefore, if you use synonyms without first checking their
meanings and connotations, you may use the words inappropriately. Analyze the
following synonyms given in Roget’s Thesaurus for the word currency: “money, coin,
bill, cash, specie; publicity, circulation; topicality, timeliness.” All of these synonyms for
currency are not synonyms of each other. In fact, the list of synonyms corresponds to
the three different meanings of the word currency: the money in use in a country, the
state of being in common use, and time during which something is current. Notice how
the list of synonyms is divided be semicolons; these semicolons signal a different
meaning for that group of words. If you were to match the three meanings of currency
to the list of synonyms, you could make a chart:
Meaning
money in use in a country
state of being in current use
time during which something is current
Synonyms
money, coin, bill, cash, specie
publicity, circulation
topicality, timeliness
This example clearly emphasizes the need to check meaning and synonyms carefully
before randomly substituting a synonym for a word. Make certain, also, that you find a
synonym that is the same part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, or adverb) as the word
you wish to replace.
In addition to lacking definitions, a thesaurus does not usually indicate a word’s
connotation ( a word’s suggested or implied meaning). Consider the following list of
synonyms for the word fate: destiny, lot, fortune, doom, chance, predestination. Which
of these words would be an appropriate substitute for fate in the following sentence?
It was her fate to be elected student government president; of all the
Candidates, only Heidi demonstrated leadership and enjoyed the support
Of students and administrators.
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Only the first two synonyms (destiny and lot) can replace fate precisely. What
Connotations do the words fortune, doom, chance, and predestination have? Both
fortune and chance suggest an element of luck was involved in Heidi’s election, yet the
sentence gives the reasons for her earned victory. The word doom suggests an
unpleasant outcome; however, the election was a victory. Finally, the word
predestination offers a more theological connotation than the situation requires. For
example, you can understand the need to check a word’s connotation carefully before
using it as a synonym.
PRACTICE EXERCISE:
Directions: Using Roget’s College Thesaurus, give synonyms for the words below.
1.
fall ( a verb meaning to descend):
2.
real ( an adjective meaning legitimate):
3.
hot ( an adjective meaning spicy):
4.
great (an adjective referring to something larger):
5.
rich ( an adjective referring to voice tone):
6.
offensive ( an adjective referring to something that is irritating or annoying):
7.
sad ( an adjective used colloquially):
8.
see ( a verb denoting visual activity):
9.
good (an adjective describing something that is satisfactory):
10.
picture ( a noun referring to a landscape):
11.
plan ( a noun denoting a skillful arrangement):
12.
dog ( a noun use formally):
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ANSWER KEY
1.
Plunge, drop
2.
true, genuine, authentic
3.
burning, flaming, fiery, peppery
4.
vast, immense, spacious, extensive
5.
sumptuous, gorgeous, sonorous, mellow
6.
atrocious, disgusting, evil, foul, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, revolting,
sickening, vile
7.
blue
8.
view, behold, perceive, observe
9.
tolerable, acceptable, presentable
10.
view, scene, setting, tableau
11.
outline, layout, pattern
12.
canine
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