Use thesaurus entries

Key Notes :

A dictionary entry tells you more about a word.

  1. The entry word is the word you look up. Entry words are listed in alphabetical order.
  2. The part of speech tells you whether the entry word is a verb, an adjective, or some other part of speech.
  3. The definition tells you what the entry word means.
  4. A sample sentence shows you how the word can be used in context.

Learn with an example

Look at this thesaurus entry:

verdict

Part of speech: noun

Definition: a decision on a disputed issue

Synonyms: conclusion, decision, judgment, opinion, ruling, sentence

Who might make a verdict?

  • a judge
  • a shopper

Notice that verdict has synonyms such as judgment and ruling. These synonyms show that a judge might make a verdict, not a shopper.

Look at this thesaurus entry:

credible

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: able to be believed

Synonyms: believable, certain, convincing, dependable, reliable

Which is more likely to be called credible?

  • a car that has never broken down
  • a promise from a good friend

Notice that credible has synonyms such as certain and believable. These synonyms show that a promise from a good friend is more likely to be called credible than a car that has never broken down.

Look at this thesaurus entry:

deduce

Part of speech: verb

Definition: to reason

Synonyms: conclude, infer, think, understand

Which is the result if you deduce something?

  • figuring something out
  • winning an argument

Notice that deduce has synonyms such as conclude and understand. These synonyms show that figuring something out is the result if you deduce something, not winning an argument.

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