Tips on Using a Thesaurus to Spice Up Writing

Words or rather the appropriate use of them is the lifeblood of effective writing and quality written communication. Just as a chef uses a variety of spices and other ingredients to add flavor to cooking, writers should use a thesaurus to add spice to their writing. Using a thesaurus can bring new life to a mediocre piece of writing.

A thesaurus is a general reference work that comes in both print and electronic formats. Most word processing programs offer a thesaurus option within their tools menu. There are several online thesaurus sites that will not only provide the general information within a thesaurus but also will include basic dictionary and etymology.

What information is contained within a thesaurus?

A thesaurus contains an alphabetical listing of entries with words that are either synonyms or antonyms. A synonym is a word that has the same or similar meaning of the main entry. For example, the entry for the term word might include: remark, statement, speech or declaration. This listing includes terms that are similar in meaning to the term word. An antonym is a word that means the direct opposite entry term. For example, some antonyms for the term dark might include: bright, light, clear, and vivid. Use of a thesaurus can benefit the work and word craft of a writer in many different and unique ways.

Ways a thesaurus can improve word craft

1. Increased variety of words

One major way to improve the overall quality of writing is to improve the quality of word craft. Word craft is the ability to creatively craft sentences, structure basic word order and create effective pieces of writing. Using a thesaurus will stretch the writer's ability to use a greater variety of words that will add impact and influence to the final product.

2. Deeper implied meaning

A thesaurus offers a means for the writer to add deeper meanings by use of related words. Instead of describing something that is blue, use another term as a means of creating depth in the writing. There are more vivid ways to describe something than by just saying the color is blue. Blue has a variety of related terms that are technically different shades of the color. Here are just a few examples: azure, cobalt, navy and cerulean. Just as describing colors in shades adds specific detail, use of a thesaurus can help the writer create many new shades of word craft.

3. Greater overall creativity

Using a thesaurus can also add an overall deeper level of creativity than before. Writers strive to make a greater use of their art through words and using a thesaurus is a simple way to achieve new levels of creativity. One quick way to learn the uses of a thesaurus is to take an old piece of writing and recreate it by using the thesaurus to communicate in a different manner.

One excellent aspect of using a thesaurus is that the writer actually increases their vocabulary and their ability to write in a more creative manner. Word craft and writing effectively is truly an art. Think of all the most memorable pieces of writing. Where would those same pieces be with mediocre word craft?

Word craft requires time, effort and energy on the part of the writer. Be careful a thesaurus can also make writers become lazy in working through their own word craft. Use the thesaurus to increase the effort and work of creating, not as a quick replacement of hard work.