In the course of the semester, we have dealt with a number of linguistic problems and their relationship to lexicography. Since one main aim of dictionaries is to define words or, in other terms, to explain the meanings of lexical units, lexicography is very closely linked to the linguistic branch of semantics. On the one hand, dictionaries describe the semantic relation holding between words and the extra-linguistic world. This relationship is called reference or denotation. On the other hand,dictionaries deal with the semantic relations between the words of a particular language themselves. These relations are called lexical relations or sense relations. Both denotation and sense relations contribute to defining the meaning of a lexeme. The lexical relation which is probably the most important one with regard to lexicography is synonymy. On the following pages, I will therefore define the term synonymy, discriminate different types of synonymy and discuss some ways in which synonyms may be differentiated. Afterwards, I will try to show which role synonymy plays in general dictionaries. After discussing different types of specialized synonym dictionaries, I will finish with a brief survey of the history of synonym dictionaries.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Main Part
2.1 Synonymy
2.1.1 Definition
2.1.2 Types of Synonymy
2.1.3 Distinctions among loose synonyms
2.2 Synonymy in Dictionaries
2.2.1 Synonymy as a Defining Style
2.2.2 Synonymy in General Dictionaries
2.3 Synonym Dictionaries and Thesauruses
2.3.1 Types of Synonym Dictionaries
2.3.2 Webster’s New Dictionary of Synonyms
2.3.3 Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases
2.3.4 Rodale’s Synonym Finder
2.4 History of Synonym Dictionaries
3 Conclusion
4 Bibliography
Objectives and Themes
This academic paper examines the linguistic concept of synonymy and its practical application within the field of lexicography. The primary goal is to analyze how different types of dictionaries approach the challenge of defining and presenting synonyms, ranging from general dictionaries to specialized synonym reference works.
- The theoretical definition and categorization of synonymy.
- The role of synonymy as a stylistic tool in general lexicography.
- Comparative analysis of distinctive versus cumulative synonym dictionaries.
- Evaluation of key reference works such as Webster's New Dictionary of Synonyms, Roget's Thesaurus, and Rodale's Synonym Finder.
- Historical evolution of English synonym dictionaries.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1.1 Definition
In general, the term synonymy, which derives from Greek (syn + nymy = “same + name”) is very briefly defined as “sameness of meaning” (Palmer 1981: 88). Expressions are therefore synonymous, if they “have the same meaning” (Jackson 1988: 65). Palmer also states that synonymy can be defined as “symmetric hyponymy”, which means that “if mavis and thrush are synonymous, we can say […] that all mavises are thrushes and all thrushes are mavises” (1981: 88). This kind of definition, however, seems to be rather imperfect, because the sense relation of hyponymy mainly applies to nouns, especially to concrete nouns. Moreover, the definitions of various linguists differ in the degree of the meaning similarity. Whereas Hartmann and James define synonymy as “the sense relation obtaining between the members of a pair or group of words or phrases whose meanings are similar” (2001: 135), Lyons is convinced that only “identity, not merely similarity, of meaning” has to be the criterion of synonymy (1995: 60).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter outlines the relationship between lexicography and semantics, establishing synonymy as a central lexical relation to be explored.
2 Main Part: This section covers the theoretical definitions of synonymy, its practical application in general dictionaries, the categorization of specialized synonym dictionaries, and their historical development.
3 Conclusion: The concluding chapter synthesizes the dual purpose of synonym dictionaries—discrimination versus supply—and reiterates the importance of synonymy in the English language.
4 Bibliography: This section lists the reference works and academic literature consulted for the paper.
Keywords
Synonymy, Lexicography, Semantics, Denotation, Sense Relations, Distinctive Synonym Dictionaries, Cumulative Synonym Dictionaries, Thesaurus, Webster’s New Dictionary of Synonyms, Roget’s Thesaurus, Rodale’s Synonym Finder, Dictionary-making, Connotation, Linguistic Meaning, Language Varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the linguistic concept of synonymy and how it is documented and utilized within various types of dictionaries.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The themes include theoretical semantics, the history of lexicography, dictionary arrangement methods, and the functional differences between distinctive and cumulative reference works.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to explore how lexicographers handle the complexity of "sameness of meaning" and to evaluate the effectiveness of specialized synonym dictionaries in practice.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The paper utilizes a descriptive and analytical literature review method, comparing definitions and structural approaches across various academic sources and dictionary examples.
What does the main part of the paper address?
It addresses the definition of strict vs. loose synonymy, the use of synonyms in defining styles, the distinction between conceptual and alphabetical arrangements, and the historical evolution of these reference tools.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Synonymy, Lexicography, Semantics, Denotation, Thesaurus, and specific dictionaries like Webster’s, Roget’s, and Rodale’s.
Why does Webster’s New Dictionary of Synonyms require high language proficiency?
Because it employs a sophisticated, complex metalanguage to provide precise discriminations, making it more suitable for native speakers or advanced learners rather than casual users.
What is the key difference between Roget’s Thesaurus and Rodale’s Synonym Finder?
The main difference lies in the arrangement: Roget’s is conceptual and thematic, while Rodale’s is organized alphabetically to facilitate quick word-finding.
- Quote paper
- Michael Brendel (Author), 2008, Synonymy, synonym dictionaries and thesauruses, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/113096
