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A dictionary is a list of words, arranged alphabetically, with their meanings. A thesaurus is a list of meanings, arranged by concept, with the words that express those meanings.

If you find a copy of Roget's Thesaurus (I mean the real Roget's Thesaurus), you will find that the first entry is "Existence" (under which are listed words such as reality, actuality, absolute, true and so on) and the second is "Inexistence". Peter Mark Roget, who wrote it, said in his introduction:

The present Work is intended to supply, with respect to the English language, a desideratum hitherto unsupplied in any language; namely, a collection of the words it contains and of the idiomatic combinations peculiar to it, arranged, not in alphabetical order as they are in a Dictionary, but according to the ideas which they express. (Emphasis in original)

Roget considered that his most important creation was the rubric which categorized the meanings of all words and which was the organizing principle of the thesaurus. However, many people found the thesaurus hard to work with. Rather than start with the idea they wanted to express, they preferred to start with a similar word and look for synonyms. As a result people were looking for a Dictionary of Synonyms in which words were listed alphabetically. Nowadays what is sold under the name of "Roget's Thesaurus" is usually not in fact a thesaurus at all, but a Dictionary of Synonyms (and often of Antonyms). Roget would turn over in his grave.

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6y ago
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Anonymous

Lvl 1
3y ago
A thesaurus  doesnt give etymologies-Apex
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AnswerBot

6d ago

A dictionary provides definitions and meanings of words, a thesaurus offers synonyms and antonyms for words, and an encyclopedia provides detailed information on a wide range of topics. Dictionaries and thesauruses focus on language, while encyclopedias cover a broader range of subjects.

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8y ago

Difference Between a Dictionary and a Thesaurus

A dictionary gives the meaning of a word. A thesaurus tells you the word in different ways but has the same meaning of the word you want. for example, if you look up sad in a thesaurus, it would probably say: SAD: UPSET, TEARFUL, DREADED, etc. okay

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11y ago

The Dictionary is used to find the definition and pronunciation of a word.

The Thesaurus is used, most often, to find synonyms (different words that mean something similar) of a word.

Most dictionaries contain an abbreviated thesaurus as well as the definition(s) of a word.

Many thesaurus' also contain antonyms (words meaning the opposite of the original word) in addition to the synonyms.

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11y ago

thesaurus: gives synonyms

dictionary: brief definitions

encyclopedia: definition plus etymology plus discussion, history, general information, etc.; including articles on people, places, events etc.

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14y ago

A dictionary define things, gives you the meanings of words.

A thesaurus gives you alternate words which mean the same things.

So it really depends on what your trying to do.

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12y ago

An encyclopedia gives detailed descriptions and a thesaurus lists words with the same meaning.

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13y ago

No, a thesaurus is not the same as a dictionary. A dictionary gives the definitions of words and a thesaurus gives synonyms of words.

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13y ago

A thesaurus gives synonyms and antonyms of words, while an atlas has maps telling all about the world

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10y ago

A dictionary gives the meanings of words.

A thesaurus gives synonyms (words that mean the same) of words.

An encyclopedia gives information on a certain topic.

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Q: What is the difference between a dictionary a thesaurus and a encyclopedia?
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What is the difference between dictionarythesaurusencyclopedia?

A dictionary tells you the definition (meaning) of a word. A thesaurus gives you words of similar definition An encyclopedia is a database for well known, important, and famous people, events, objects and concepts.


What is the difference between thesaurus and synonyms option?

what is the difference between thesaurus and synonym


What differences between dictionary and glossary?

dictionary glossary index thesaurus defne all


What are the differences between a glossary and thesaurus?

A dictionary has the definition of the word.A glossary is telling you where the word you are looking for is at.A thesaurus is something like a dictionary but not exactly.


Which of these is not true about the similarities between a thesaurus and a dictionary?

A thesaurus has antonyms and synonyms but a dictionary doesn't


Differentiate encyclopedia from dictionary?

An encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work that covers a wide range of topics in depth, often with articles written by experts. It provides detailed information on subjects such as history, science, and culture. On the other hand, a dictionary is a reference tool that primarily focuses on defining words and providing information on their spelling, pronunciation, and usage.


What is the differnce between a dictionary and an encyclopedia?

A dictionary provides a basic definition for a given word. An encyclopedia provides basic information for a given topic, such as a specific person (depending on the encyclopedia).


What is the difference between cyclopedia and encyclopedia?

A cyclopedia typically refers to a comprehensive reference work that covers a broad range of topics, similar to an encyclopedia. However, the term "encyclopedia" is more commonly used to refer to a general reference work that provides in-depth information on various subjects. In general, the two terms are often used interchangeably.


What is the difference between synonym and thesaurus?

a synonym is something that means the same thing . a thesaurus is abook that uses bigger words like ginormous


What is the difference between a dictionary and a reference manual?

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What is the difference between the term cultural and cultural?

If you would, for instance, read a dictionary, such as the "Webster's Student's Dictionary, you will find that the difference between cultural and cultural is basically nonexistent.


What is the difference between a dictionary and vocabulary?

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