• How are a dictionary and thesaurus similar? How are they different? Cite evidence from the sample entries on p. 120 to support your answer.
• How can use of a dictionary and thesaurus be complementary?
What are the sample entries on p. 120?
Are they similar? If so, how? That's a question YOU have to answer. We also do not have the sample entries from page 120. If they, indeed, are similar, how can they be complementary? What help do you think you need with these questions?
here is what they say on page 120 i did read it but i don't understand it.
When you look up a word in a dictionary, you will find the meaning, pronunciation, and part of speech for the word. You will also find the word's etymology, or origin. Etymologies show how words come into the English language and how they change over time. Look in the front or the back of a dictionary for a guide to the abbreviations used in etymologies.
Specialized references offer detailed information about a particular subject. Almanacs and atlases are examples of specialized references. An etymological dictionary is a specialized reference that provides in-depth etymologies. A dictionary of technical terms is a dictionary that includes definitions and pronunciations of terms having to do with a particular field, such as technology, engineering, medicine, or other scientific fields.
When you look up a word in a thesaurus, you will find the word's synonyms, or words with similar meaning. A thesaurus can be helpful when you are looking for alternate word choices to use in your writing.
Compare these two entries for the word verdict:
Dictionary
Thesaurus
ver•dict (vr′ dikt) n. [ME verdit < Anglo-Fr < ML veredictum, true saying, verdict < L vere, truly + dictum, a thing said: see VERY and DICTUM] 1. The decision arrived at by a jury at the end of a trial 2. any decision or judgment
verdict n. judgment, finding, decision, answer, opinion, sentence, determination, decree, conclusion, deduction, adjudication, arbitrament
Notice that a thesaurus does not provide definitions of words. Before you use a word you find in a thesaurus, check a dictionary to verify the meaning of the word and confirm that it is a good choice.
A dictionary gives you the definition of a word. A thesaurus gives you synonyms for the word. From the synonyms, one may understand the meaning of a word if one understands the meanings of the synonyms. A dictionary may or may not list synonyms (some do). What is it that you do not understand? Be specific.
They are both used to look up things, and they are both sturdy resources to use.
A dictionary is used to look up a definition, but a thesaurus is used to find the synonyms and the antonyms of a word
A dictionary and a thesaurus are both helpful reference books that assist with language and communication. However, they have distinct purposes and differ in how they provide information.
Similarities between a dictionary and a thesaurus:
1. Both contain definitions: Dictionaries provide word meanings, while thesauri (plural of thesaurus) focus on synonyms (words with similar meanings).
2. They help with vocabulary: Both resources can expand vocabulary and aid in finding suitable words or expressions.
Differences between a dictionary and a thesaurus:
1. Word meanings vs. synonyms: Dictionaries primarily focus on providing word definitions and usage examples, giving an in-depth understanding of words. On the other hand, a thesaurus primarily helps in finding synonyms and antonyms, providing options for different word choices with similar or opposite meanings.
2. Types of information: Dictionaries typically provide word origins, pronunciation guides, grammatical information, and alternate definitions. In contrast, a thesaurus offers lists of words with similar meanings grouped together, as well as alternative phrases or expressions.
3. Usage examples: Dictionaries usually provide illustrative sentences or phrases to show how a word is used, while thesauri do not typically include usage examples.
Evidence from sample entries on p. 120:
To support the comparison, let's consider two sample entries from page 120 of a dictionary and a thesaurus.
Dictionary sample entry: The word "adapt" is defined as "to adjust oneself to different conditions or environments" in a dictionary. The entry also includes usage examples like "He was able to adapt to the new work environment quickly."
Thesaurus sample entry: The thesaurus entry for "adapt" might list synonyms like "adjust," "acclimate," or "modify." Additionally, it could provide alternative phrases or expressions, such as "fit in," "accommodate oneself," or "change as needed."
Complementary use of a dictionary and thesaurus:
The use of a dictionary and a thesaurus can complement each other. Here's how:
1. Vocabulary enhancement: While a dictionary helps by providing accurate word definitions, a thesaurus expands vocabulary by offering synonyms, allowing for more varied word choices in writing or speaking.
2. Improving precision and style: When searching for a word in a thesaurus, one can cross-reference it in a dictionary to check its precise meaning and ensure it is the most appropriate choice.
3. Avoiding repetition: The thesaurus helps in finding synonyms, preventing repeating the same word multiple times in a piece of writing.
Overall, understanding the similarities and differences between a dictionary and a thesaurus, as well as how they can complement each other, can greatly benefit language learning and communication.