dictionary and thesaurus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Neutral to Formal. Commonly used in educational, academic, and professional writing contexts.
Quick answer
What does “dictionary and thesaurus” mean?
A reference work combining a dictionary (with word definitions, pronunciations, and etymologies) and a thesaurus (with synonyms and antonyms).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A reference work combining a dictionary (with word definitions, pronunciations, and etymologies) and a thesaurus (with synonyms and antonyms).
A single volume or digital resource providing both the explanatory function of a dictionary and the associative, word-finding function of a thesaurus. It serves as a comprehensive language tool for writing, vocabulary expansion, and precise communication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in concept. Minor spelling preferences apply to examples within the resources (e.g., 'colour' vs. 'color'). The term 'thesaurus' is pronounced differently.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Seen as a practical, scholarly tool.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, especially in educational publishing.
Grammar
How to Use “dictionary and thesaurus” in a Sentence
consult + dictionary and thesaurus + for + wordlook up + word + in + dictionary and thesaurusrefer to + dictionary and thesaurusVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dictionary and thesaurus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She dictionary-and-thesaurused her way through the essay to find le mot juste.
American English
- He needs to dictionary-and-thesaurus that paragraph to make it less repetitive.
adverb
British English
- He checked the manuscript dictionary-and-thesaurus-style.
American English
- She worked dictionary-and-thesaurus-fast to finish the assignment.
adjective
British English
- It was a thorough, dictionary-and-thesaurus approach to editing.
American English
- She has a dictionary-and-thesaurus mindset when she writes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for precise report writing and professional communication.
Academic
Essential for essay writing, avoiding repetition, and defining terms.
Everyday
Common for crossword puzzles, word games, and helping children with homework.
Technical
In computational linguistics, refers to integrated lexical databases.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dictionary and thesaurus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dictionary and thesaurus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dictionary and thesaurus”
- Misspelling 'thesaurus' as 'thesarus' or 'thesorous'.
- Using 'dictionary and thesaurus' as a plural (e.g., 'I have two dictionary and thesauruses') instead of treating it as a compound noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Grammatically, it is a compound noun referring to a single resource that combines two functions, similar to 'fish and chips'. However, it can be conceptually separated (e.g., 'I used both the dictionary and thesaurus features').
Yes, but it implies two separate books or tools. 'A dictionary and thesaurus' typically refers to a single, combined volume or digital tool.
Efficiency. It allows the user to move seamlessly from understanding a word's meaning to finding alternative words with similar or opposite meanings, all within one reference point.
Most major ones from established publishers (e.g., Oxford, Merriam-Webster, Collins) are highly reliable. For scholarly work, it's best to cross-reference with specialised academic resources.
A reference work combining a dictionary (with word definitions, pronunciations, and etymologies) and a thesaurus (with synonyms and antonyms).
Dictionary and thesaurus is usually neutral to formal. commonly used in educational, academic, and professional writing contexts. in register.
Dictionary and thesaurus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪkʃ(ə)n(ə)ri‿ən(d) θɪˈsɔːrəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛri‿ən(d) θəˈsɔrəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Dictionary Defines, Thesaurus Finds Alternatives.' Both start with 'D' and 'T' like 'Double Tool'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LANGUAGE TOOLKIT (containing tools for defining and for varying expression).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function that distinguishes a thesaurus from a dictionary within a 'dictionary and thesaurus'?