Monday, March 12, 2012

Difference between Dictionary and Thesaurus




Dictionary
A dictionary is a reference book which gives the meaning of the words and how it is spelt.

Link: http://dictionary.reference.com/


Thesaurus
 A Thesaurus is a reference book which gives other words in the place of a word (Synonyms) or opposite words (Antonyms). It is used when we know the meaning and require an alternate words or opposite words.

Link: http://thesaurus.com/

Difference between Proverbs, Phrases, Idioms and Metaphors



Proverbs
A proverb is a simple, short and concrete saying which expresses a truth, based on the practical experience of humans. These are complete sentences which we quote it to advice people.
Link : http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/proverbs.html

Idioms
An idiom is an expression  (group of words) with a meaning that cannot be understood based on its individual words. It will have a different meaning from the one suggested by the individual words.
Link: http://www.idiomsite.com/

Figure of Speech
A figure of speech is the use of word/words diverging from its usual meaning which can be said on the spot. A figure of speech includes figurative language such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole or personification or symbol.
Link: http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/figures.htm

Metaphors
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing (or person) by comparing it with an unrelated object.

Phrases
A phrase is a collection of words that may have nouns /verbs, but it does not have a subject doing a verb.
Link: http://www.phrases.org.uk/

Clauses
A clause is a collection of words that may have nouns/verbs and has a subject that is actively doing a verb.

Sentences
A sentence is a collection of words that must have a verb, a subject  and a complete thought with a variety of constructions.

Cliches
A cliche is a phrase that has been overused and lost its impact. Any expression that is overused can be a cliche. Some cliches are literal and some are figurative.

Collocations
A collocation is a collection of words to produce natural speech and writing.


Further Reading:
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/teaching-tips/proverbs-idioms
http://www.englishlanguageterminology.org/figures-of-speech.htm
http://grammar.about.com/od/rhetoricstyle/a/20figures.htm