Dictionary:
* Definition: A dictionary provides definitions of words. It explains the meaning of words, their pronunciation, and sometimes their etymology (origin).
* Focus: Focuses on individual words and their specific meanings.
* Example: Looking up the word "happy" in a dictionary will tell you its meaning, such as "feeling or showing pleasure or contentment."
* Use: Used to understand the meaning of a word, find its correct spelling, or learn about its origins.
Thesaurus:
* Definition: A thesaurus provides synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) for words.
* Focus: Focuses on finding alternative words to express the same idea.
* Example: Looking up the word "happy" in a thesaurus will give you a list of synonyms like "joyful," "delighted," "cheerful," and "content."
* Use: Used to find different words to avoid repetition, to improve writing style, or to find more precise words to express a specific meaning.
In Summary:
* Dictionary: Explains the meaning of words.
* Thesaurus: Offers alternative words with similar or opposite meanings.
Think of it like this: A dictionary is like a map that helps you understand the exact location of a word, while a thesaurus is like a travel guide that helps you explore different ways to reach the same destination (meaning) using different words.