The word ‘thesaurus’ comes from a Greek word referring to treasure that is hoarded - an appropriate name for this treasure of a book which will help you to widen your vocabulary and improve your writing by finding synonyms to replace well-used words. A synonym is a word which has a similar meaning to another.

LOOKING AT ROGET AND HIS THESAURUS

Peter Mark Roget produced the first thesaurus. Born in London in 1779, he studied medicine at Edinburgh, went on to become professor of physiology at the Royal Institution and became Secretary of the Royal Society. He was active in founding the University of London and remained on the Senate of the University until his death in 1869.

Early in his career he had compiled a thesaurus for his own use and he completed the first draft in 1806. During the next 40 years he continually added to his list of synonyms. He retired from medical practice in 1840 but it was not until 1849 that he started to concentrate on the work for which he is remembered.

His Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases was eventually published by Longmans in 1852. He explained that it was ‘classified and arranged so as to facilitate the expression of ideas and assist in literary composition’. Twenty-eight editions were published during his lifetime. The edition of 1879 contains his final work. After his death his son edited the Thesaurus and later passed this responsibility on to his son. The pattern of the Thesaurus is logical and easy to follow. Roget aimed to produce a ‘collection of words .. . arranged, not in alphabetical order as they are in a dictionary, but according to the ideas which they express’. He wished ‘to find the word or words by which (an) idea may be most fittingly and aptly expressed’.

Roget’s Thesaurus is still a vital reference book for everyone interested in the English language and, like the dictionary, it is frequently updated. Longman’s no longer retain the outright copyright and now other publishers produce their own thesauri.

USING ROGET’S THESAURUS

Roget’s Thesaurus is divided into two main parts. The first section of the book is divided into the following classifications:

• abstract relations
• space
• matter
• intellect
• volition
• affection

The second part is the index which, like a dictionary, is in alphabetical order. You will find all words and phrases followed by numbers which refer to the first section.

Finding your way around

Your first task will be to look up the word or phrase you wish to replace. Having found it, you will discover a variety of other words below it in italics. Beside each one is a number and the abbreviation which identifies the part of speech. Look up the number of the correct part of speech that you require. When you find it, you will discover the word in bold type. Underneath, also in bold type, is the part of speech. Remember that some words can be used as different parts of speech depending on their context.

Following the abbreviation for the part of speech are a number of synonyms from which you can choose. Cross references to other numbers which are appropriate are also given. The later Thesauri may contain over 100,000 words so you have a wide variety from which to choose.

Example

’Nice’ is a very overworked word. Looking this up in the index will give you a variety of synonyms, all of which are adjectives:

Each is followed by a number so that you can find even more related words.

’Beautiful’ might be number 841. Turning to this number in the first section of the book, you will find the bold heading is ‘beauty’ because the noun is usually placed first. Following are a number of synonyms with cross references to other numbers. Below this is the adjective ‘beautiful’ which you require. Among the synonyms given are:

Here, too, will be cross references to other related words.

Although at first you may find it confusing, persevere and it will soon become easier. You will find you are adding to your vocabulary every time you use the Thesaurus.

CHECKING OTHER THESAURI

Since Longmans no longer have a monopoly on publishing Roget’s Thesaurus, other publishers have now taken it up and are also publishing their own versions. Sometimes these are combined with a dictionary.

Harper Collins have produced a useful pocket dictionary with 34,000 words and a thesaurus with 75,000 synonyms. It is easy to use as the word in bold type is followed by several synonyms. There may be several uses of the word which are identified.

Looking at an example

grasp:

• 1.v. clasp, clutch, grip, bold, seize.
• 2.v. understand, comprehend.
• 3.n. grip, hold, possession.
• 4.n. comprehension, understanding.

Identifying other publishers

Oxford University Press and Chambers are two other publishers who produce thesauri but there are others as well. The small pocket editions are useful but are not replacements for Roget’s Thesaurus.

WIDENING YOUR VOCABULARY

Browsing through the thesaurus can be an interesting exercise. You can learn many new words in the process. However, the best way to widen your vocabulary is by finding new words to replace ones you have used many times before. Having identified new words, use them.

CHECKLIST

• A thesaurus helps you to find synonyms for well-used wo
• Some small thesauri are combined with dictionari
• Use a thesaurus to widen your vocabula

PRACTISING WHAT YOU’VE LEARNT

• 1.1. In the following passage find synonyms for ‘nice’, without using the same one twice.It was a nice day so the Browns decided to go for a nice picnic. It was nice by the sea and they had brought some nice food. In the evening they decided to go to a nice restaurant and have a nice meal. They arrived home late after a nice day.
• 2.Find several synonyms for each of the following words: