Writing Textbooks Boundless Writing Writing Effective Sentences Word Choice
Writing Textbooks Boundless Writing Writing Effective Sentences
Writing Textbooks Boundless Writing
Writing Textbooks
Writing
Concept Version 15
Created by Boundless

Using the Dictionary and Thesaurus Effectively

Because words can differ depending on their context, it is a good idea to check the definition and spelling of any tricky words in a dictionary.

Learning Objective

  • Select appropriate tools to help with word choice

Key Points

    • Spell-check features in word processors are helpful tools, but will not catch all mistakes.
    • Thesauruses can help add variety to dry prose by helping you identify words with similar meanings.
    • Always use a dictionary to confirm the meaning of any word about which you are unsure.
    • Diction is important since it refers to the writer's or speaker's distinctive vocabulary choices and style, and impacts word choice and syntax.

Terms

  • thesaurus

    A publication, usually in the form of a book, that provides synonyms (and sometimes antonyms) for the words of a given language.

  • dictionary

    A reference work with a list of words from one or more languages, normally ordered alphabetically and explaining each word's meaning and sometimes containing information on its etymology, usage, translations, and other data.

Full Text

Using the Dictionary and Thesaurus Effectively 

Always use a dictionary to confirm the meaning of any word about which you are unsure. Although the built-in dictionary that comes with your word processor is a great time-saver, it falls far short of college-edition dictionaries, or the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). If spell-check suggests bizarre corrections for one of your words, it could be that you know a word it does not. When in doubt, always check a dictionary to be sure.

Vocabulary Choice and Style

If it feels like you keep repeating a word throughout your writing, pull out a thesaurus for ideas on different, more creative choices. A thesaurus can add some color and depth to a piece that may otherwise seem repetitive and mundane. However, make sure that the word you substitute has the meaning you intend to convey. Thesauruses provide words with similar meanings, not identical meanings. If you are unsure about the precise meaning of a replacement word, look up the new word in a dictionary.

Word Accuracy

Regardless of the words you use, you must use them accurately. Usage errors can distract readers from your argument. How can you ensure that words are used accurately? Unfortunately, there is no easy way, but there are some solutions. You can revisit a text that uses the word and observe how the word is used in that instance. Additionally, you can consult a dictionary whenever you are uncertain. Be especially careful when using words that are not yet part of your usual vocabulary.

Connotation 

Connotation is the extended or suggested meaning of a word beyond its literal meaning. For example, "flatfoot" and "police detective" are often thought to be synonyms, but they connote very different things: "flatfoot" suggests a plodding, perhaps not very bright cop, while "police detective" suggests an intelligent professional.

Verbs, too, have connotations. For instance, to "suggest" that someone has overlooked a key fact is not the same as to "insinuate" it. To "devote" your time to working on a client's project is not the same as to "spend" your time on it. The connotations of your words can shape your audience's perception of your argument. For example:

  • Our sales team is constantly trying to locate new markets for our various product lines.
  • Our sales team is constantly driving to locate new markets for our various product lines.

Register 

"Register" refers to a word's association with certain situations or contexts. In a restaurant ad, for example, we might expect to see the claim that it offers "amazingly delicious food." However, we would not expect to see a research company boast in a proposal for a government contract that it is capable of conducting "amazingly good studies." Here, the word "amazingly" is in the register of consumer advertising, but not in the register of research proposals.

Being aware of the connotation and register of the words you choose in your writing will help increase your writing's clarity.

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