Thesaurus Usage

What is the primary purpose of using a thesaurus when writing?

• To find the correct spelling and definition of a word.

• To find the origin and history of a word.

• To find synonyms and antonyms to vary word choice.

• To check for grammatical errors in a sentence.

Answer explanation

A thesaurus is a reference tool that lists words grouped by similarity of meaning (synonyms) and their opposites (antonyms), helping writers to avoid repetition and improve their vocabulary.

Match each word to its closest synonym.

• plentiful

• baffled

• essential

• diligent

• confused

• abundant

• hardworking

• crucial

Answer explanation

Each word is paired with another word that has a very similar meaning. 'Diligent' means hardworking, 'abundant' means plentiful, 'crucial' means essential, and 'baffled' means confused.

The old house on the hill looked (a)   and was rumored to be haunted.

• joyful
• eerie
• vibrant
• modern

Answer explanation

The context 'rumored to be haunted' suggests a strange and frightening feeling. 'Eerie' is the best synonym for this context, while the other words have positive or neutral meanings.

If you look up the word "trivial" in a thesaurus, which of the following would most likely be listed as an antonym?

• unimportant

• minor

• significant

• silly

Answer explanation

'Trivial' means of little value or importance. 'Significant' means important enough to be worthy of attention, making it the direct opposite (antonym). The other options are synonyms for 'trivial'.

Group the words below into pairs of synonyms.

Groups:

(a) Synonym Pair 1

,

(b) Synonym Pair 2

,

(c) Synonym Pair 3

• small

• brave

• huge

• tiny

• courageous

• vast

Answer explanation

This task requires grouping words with similar meanings. 'Brave' and 'courageous' are synonyms, as are 'huge' and 'vast', and 'tiny' and 'small'.

A writer wants to describe a character who is smart in a negative way. Which synonym for "smart" would best create a negative tone?

• intelligent

• brilliant

• crafty

• wise

Answer explanation

While all words relate to being smart, 'crafty' suggests cleverness used in a cunning or deceitful way, which has a negative connotation. The other options are positive.

The detective needed to (a)   the evidence carefully to solve the mystery.

• glance at
• examine
• ignore
• discard

Answer explanation

A detective solving a mystery needs to look at evidence closely and in detail. 'Examine' is the most precise word for this action. 'Glance at' is too quick, and 'ignore' or 'discard' are the opposite of what's needed.

Match each word to its antonym (opposite).

• cowardly

• frequently

• permanent

• courageous

• selfish

• generous

• rarely

• temporary

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with its opposite. 'Generous' is the opposite of 'selfish', 'courageous' is the opposite of 'cowardly', 'temporary' is the opposite of 'permanent', and 'frequently' is the opposite of 'rarely'.

A thesaurus entry for bright includes: shining, intelligent, cheerful. Which synonym best fits the sentence: "Her bright idea saved the project."?

• shining

• intelligent

• cheerful

• glowing

Answer explanation

In the context of an 'idea,' the word 'bright' means clever or intelligent. The other synonyms, 'shining' and 'cheerful', do not fit the meaning of the sentence.

Sort these words describing movement by their general speed and energy level.

Groups:

(a) Slow and Relaxed

,

(b) Slow and Difficult

,

(c) Moderate Speed

,

(d) Maximum Speed

• sprint

• jog

• stroll

• trudge

Answer explanation

These words describe movement at different intensities. 'Stroll' is slow and relaxed, 'trudge' is slow and difficult, 'jog' is a moderate pace, and 'sprint' is the fastest speed.