Use Dictionaries and Thesauruses
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What you will learn
- 1Locate and read a dictionary entry to find a word's meaning and part of speech
- 2Use a thesaurus to find synonyms that improve writing
- 3Choose the most appropriate synonym for a given context
Mini Lesson
A dictionary and a thesaurus are two essential reference tools. Knowing how to use them well makes you a stronger reader and writer.
Using a Dictionary
- Entries are in alphabetical order, and the two guide words at the top of each page show its first and last entry.
- Each entry shows: the word, its pronunciation (often in parentheses), its part of speech (noun, verb, adjective...), and its definition.
- Many entries include an example sentence.
- Some words have multiple numbered definitions — read all of them to find the one that matches your context.
Reading a Dictionary Entry
Sample Entry
transport (trans·port) verb 1. To carry people or goods from one place to another. "Trucks transport food to supermarkets." 2. To cause someone to feel as if they are in another place or time.
Using a Thesaurus
- A thesaurus lists synonyms — words with similar meanings.
- Look up a word and you get a list of alternatives.
- Always check that the synonym fits the sentence — synonyms are similar but not always identical in meaning.
- Using a thesaurus helps you avoid repeating the same word.
Words to know
dictionary
A book or tool that lists words and their meanings.
e.g. Use the dictionary to look up unfamiliar words.
thesaurus
A book or tool that lists synonyms and antonyms.
e.g. A thesaurus suggests "happy" alternatives like joyful or cheerful.
entry
A single word and its information in a dictionary.
e.g. The entry for "clear" lists three meanings.
synonym
A word that means the same or nearly the same as another.
e.g. "Big" and "large" are synonyms.
antonym
A word that means the opposite of another.
e.g. "Hot" and "cold" are antonyms.
part of speech
A group that a word belongs to (noun, verb, adjective, adverb).
e.g. "Run" is a verb; "dog" is a noun.
Not all synonyms are interchangeable. "Happy" and "ecstatic" are both positive, but "ecstatic" is much stronger. Always read the sentence again after swapping a word.
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