When might you use both a dictionary and a thesaurus?

A dictionary can help you determine the precise denotations of words, while a thesaurus, used responsibly, can help you to capture subtle differences in the connotations of words.

What might happen if you use a thesaurus too much in your writing?

Used improperly, the thesaurus can make bad writing even worse. Too often, writers turn to it looking simply to swap one word for another, but words are rarely that interchangeable.

Can you use a thesaurus as a dictionary?

You may also find a section in a thesaurus that will allow you to see what words are the direct opposite of the word you use as the beginning point. Using a thesaurus can often be part of using a dictionary, as many online dictionaries will include these words at the ends of the definitions.

What do you call someone who uses big words all the time?

For example the word sesquipedalian is in fact sesquipedalian. Sesquipedalian can also be used to describe someone or something that overuses big words, like a philosophy professor or a chemistry textbook. Each of those long words is referred to as a sesquipedalia.

Which is better dictionary or thesaurus?

A dictionary gives thorough details on the meaning, definition, usage and etymology of a word. A thesaurus usually does not contain all the words of the language. It provides several similar alternative words (synonyms), as well as contrasting words (antonyms).

Why using a thesaurus is important?

A thesaurus will give you a long list of synonyms for a word and can be very helpful to find appropriate synonyms for your writing. One thing to be careful of when using a thesaurus is that some words have slightly different meanings or are meant to be used in different ways.

Is it cheating to use a thesaurus?

Refering to any dictionary or dictionaries, thesaurus or any other sources relating to the topic if which answer is to be given or book, source material is to be prepared must not be any wrong. It is not Plagiarism.

Is it good to use a thesaurus?

You should ideally reach for a thesaurus when you have a word in mind but can’t seem to recall it or when you’re thinking of a word with an accurate denotation but are seeking a synonym that connotes something different. That being said, a thesaurus is still a great tool for varying up your diction.

When should you use a thesaurus?

A thesaurus is used to help you become more precise (if you are working on a technical paper) and descriptive (if you are writing a creative piece) in your writing. It provides a list of suggested “replacements” for any word you have in mind. The thesaurus helps you zero in on the best word choice.

How does a thesaurus differ from a dictionary?

Thesaurus. A dictionary is a collection of words along with their meaning, definition and description of usage. A thesaurus presents words as “word families,” listing their synonyms without explaining their meanings or usage.