Thesaurus Usage

When writing a report, you use the word "good" too many times. What is the primary reason to use a thesaurus in this situation?

• To check your spelling

• To find more interesting synonyms for "good"

• To find the definition of "good"

• To find the opposite of "good"

Answer explanation

A thesaurus is a reference tool used to find synonyms (words with similar meanings) to improve word choice and make writing more engaging, which is its primary function in this context.

Match each word to its closest synonym.

• Confused

• Diligent

• Hardworking

• Perplexed

• Huge

• Trivial

• Unimportant

• Vast

Answer explanation

Each word is paired with another word that has a very similar meaning. `Perplexed` means confused, `vast` means huge, `trivial` means unimportant, and `diligent` means hardworking.

The comedian's jokes were so (a)   that the entire audience was laughing uncontrollably.

• somber
• hilarious
• dull
• adequate

Answer explanation

The context clue "laughing uncontrollably" indicates a need for a word meaning "very funny." `Hilarious` is the best fit, while the other options are either opposite or too weak.

If you were looking for an antonym for the word `generous` in a thesaurus, which word would you most likely find?

• Kind

• Giving

• Stingy

• Happy

Answer explanation

An antonym is a word with the opposite meaning. `Stingy`, meaning unwilling to give or spend, is the direct opposite of `generous`. `Kind` and `giving` are synonyms.

The words `thrifty` and `cheap` are synonyms for saving money, but they have different feelings associated with them. Sort these words into the correct connotation category.

Groups:

(a) Positive Connotation

,

(b) Negative Connotation

• Cheap

• Arrogant

• Thrifty

• Confident

Answer explanation

`Thrifty` and `confident` have positive feelings, suggesting wisdom and self-assurance. `Cheap` and `arrogant` have negative feelings, suggesting stinginess and excessive pride.

The original sentence is: "The runner was fast." Which of the following sentences uses a synonym from a thesaurus to create a more vivid and precise image?

• The runner was quick.

• The runner was not slow.

• The runner sprinted across the finish line.

• The runner moved with speed.

Answer explanation

While `quick` is a synonym, `sprinted` is a more powerful and descriptive verb that paints a clearer picture of how the runner was fast, showing the importance of choosing the right synonym for impact.

Match each word to its antonym (a word with the opposite meaning).

• Fear

• Expand

• Shrink

• Courage

• Destroy

• Create

• Permanent

• Temporary

Answer explanation

Each word is correctly paired with its opposite. The opposite of `courage` is `fear`, of `expand` is `shrink`, of `create` is `destroy`, and of `temporary` is `permanent`.

You look up the word `light` in a thesaurus. You see synonyms like `bright` and `radiant`, but also `lightweight` and `flimsy`. Why would a thesaurus list two different sets of synonyms for the same word?

• The thesaurus is organized alphabetically.

• One set is for verbs and the other for nouns.

• The word `light` has multiple meanings (e.g., illumination vs. weight).

• It's a mistake in the thesaurus.

Answer explanation

A good thesaurus groups synonyms based on the different meanings or parts of speech of the entry word. `Light` can be an adjective describing brightness or an adjective describing low weight.

After a long hike, the group was (a)   , but after a good meal and rest, they felt (b)   and ready for the next day.

• exhausted
• energized
• ambivalent
• bored

Answer explanation

The context "after a long hike" suggests the group was very tired (`exhausted`). The phrase "after a good meal and rest" indicates a change to a state of having energy (`energized`).

Sort the following words into two groups of synonym pairs.

Groups:

(a) Synonym Pair 1

,

(b) Synonym Pair 2

• Modern

• New

• Old

• Ancient

Answer explanation

This task requires recognizing which words have similar meanings. `Ancient` and `old` are synonyms, and `modern` and `new` are synonyms.