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Home > Language > What is the Difference Between Dictionary and Thesaurus?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Dictionary and Thesaurus?

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The main difference between a dictionary and a thesaurus lies in their purpose and content:

  • Dictionary:
  • Provides definitions of words, phrases, and idioms.
  • Outlines grammatical information about a word, such as its part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.).
  • Includes examples of use for words.
  • Dictionaries are used to look up the meaning of a particular word, its correct spelling, pronunciation, etymology, and usage.
  • Thesaurus:
  • Provides synonyms, or similar words, for a word.
  • Lists words in "word families," showing their relationships and associations.
  • Can present words alphabetically or conceptually.
  • Thesauri are useful for finding alternative expressions for a given word or phrase, discovering related words, or exploring narrower or broader terms.

In summary, a dictionary is primarily used for defining words and providing grammatical information, while a thesaurus is used for finding synonyms and related words. These tools are widely available in both print and electronic forms, and can be valuable resources for writers and students.

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  • What is the Difference Between Dictionary and Thesaurus?
  • Comparative Table: Dictionary vs Thesaurus

    • Comparative Table: Dictionary vs Thesaurus

    Here is a table that highlights the differences between a dictionary and a thesaurus:

    Feature Dictionary Thesaurus
    Purpose Provides meanings, definitions, and descriptions of usage for words Lists synonyms and antonyms for words, providing similar and contrasting words
    Organization Words are listed alphabetically Words may be listed alphabetically or conceptually
    Content Gives thorough details on the meaning, definition, usage, and etymology of a word Provides several similar alternative words (synonyms) and contrasting words (antonyms)
    Types General and specialized dictionaries available Special thesauri developed for information retrieval in information and science systems
    Uses Used to look up the meaning of a particular word Provides synonyms for a word, helping writers express ideas or find alternative words

    In summary, a dictionary is a collection of words along with their meanings, definitions, and descriptions of usage, while a thesaurus presents words as "word families," listing their synonyms and antonyms without explaining their meanings.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.