Thesaurus: meaning, definitions and examples

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thesaurus

 

[ หˆฮธiหsษ”หrษ™s ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

reference source

A thesaurus is a reference work that lists words grouped together according to similarity of meaning, in contrast to a dictionary, which provides definitions for words.

Synonyms

lexicon of synonyms, synonym dictionary, thesaurus dictionary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thesaurus

This word is commonly used in both casual and professional settings to refer to a book or online resource that lists words grouped together according to similarity of meanings.

  • I'm using a thesaurus to find a better word for 'happy.'
  • The writer consulted the thesaurus to enhance his vocabulary.
synonym dictionary

This is a straightforward and clear term that is often used by people who are not familiar with the technical term 'thesaurus.' It refers to a dictionary specifically for synonyms.

  • He bought a synonym dictionary to improve his essay writing.
  • Children use a synonym dictionary to expand their vocabulary in school.
lexicon of synonyms

This phrase is more formal and tends to be used in academic or linguistic settings. It refers to a comprehensive collection of synonyms.

  • Linguists often study a lexicon of synonyms to understand language variation.
  • The research paper included a detailed lexicon of synonyms.
thesaurus dictionary

This term is somewhat redundant and less common. It combines 'thesaurus' and 'dictionary,' and is usually used by those unsure of the precise terminology.

  • I found a thesaurus dictionary online that helps me find synonyms and antonyms.
  • For better word choices, she uses a thesaurus dictionary.

Examples of usage

  • Can you find a synonym for 'happy' in the thesaurus?
  • I often use a thesaurus when I'm looking for alternative words.
  • The thesaurus is a useful tool for writers trying to improve their vocabulary.

Translations

Translations of the word "thesaurus" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น dicionรกrio de sinรดnimos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเคฌเฅเคฆเค•เฅ‹เคถ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Thesaurus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tesaurus

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะตะทะฐัƒั€ัƒั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tezaurus

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้กž่ชž่พžๅ…ธ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท thรฉsaurus

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tesauro

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tesaurus

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์œ ์˜์–ด ์‚ฌ์ „

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ุงู…ูˆุณ ุงู„ู…ุฑุงุฏูุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tezaurus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tezaurus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฏๅบ“

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tezaurus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ samheitaorรฐabรณk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัำฉะทะดั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒ”แƒ–แƒแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜แƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tezarus

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tesauro

Etymology

The word 'thesaurus' comes from the Greek word 'thesauros', which means 'treasure' or 'storehouse'. The concept of a thesaurus as a reference work originated in the 19th century, with Peter Mark Roget's publication of 'Roget's Thesaurus'. Since then, thesauri have become valuable tools for writers, students, and anyone looking to expand their vocabulary.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,558, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.