PDF USING THE THESAURUS synonyms

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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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