Language reference book organized to help in finding words related to a core concept but having different shades of meaning (connotations). Unlike a dictionary (which is organized to help in finding the meaning if you know the word), a thesaurus requires you to know the intended meaning to help find the correct word. Unlike a dictionary of synonyms (which is an alphabetical list of related words) a thesaurus is structured around ideas, and serves as a treasury of knowledge. First English language thesaurus (the 'Roget's Thesaurus') was created in 1852 by the UK surgeon Dr. Peter Mark Roget (1779-1869).
The term is derived from the Greek word 'thesauros,' treasure.
Use 'thesaurus' in a Sentence
The teacher noticed that her student had used the same word many times in his essay, so she suggested using a thesaurus to find another word with a similar meaning.
Political speechwriters often utilize a thesaurus to convey the meaning of a particular idea in multiple ways and to shape how the public and the press view various policy platforms.
When the children do not know what word to use their teacher tells them to use the thesaurus, which also helps expand their vocabulary.
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