Here we are going to discuss the key Difference between Dictionary and Thesaurus. Both are used in several languages to understand some words. Moreover, both of these are distinct from each other. Both of these have differences with respect to their usage and their descriptions. Dictionary refers to a book that includes a big set of words along with their meanings, definition, pronunciation and their usage. But on the other hand, Thesaurus is a collection of words along with their synonyms and antonyms without explaining their meaning.
DICTIONARY
Dictionary refers to a book including a big set of words in more than one specific language along with their definition, parts of speech, meanings, pronunciation, and their usage. Moreover, some dictionaries also show the origin of the words. The dictionary lists the words alphabetically. Some of the Dictionaries are of different categories including science or business dictionary. The most popular dictionary in the world is the Oxford English dictionary. It contains about 500000 words. Its first dictionary was published in 1884.
THESAURUS
Thesaurus is a collection of words along with their synonyms and antonyms without explaining their meanings. So in case if someone knows the meaning of the world and wants to find its relative word, he would consult a thesaurus. The world’s first Thesaurus was published in 1852. Thesaurus lists words alphabetically or conceptually. There are about 920000 words in the largest thesaurus. The most popular Thesaurus includes Webster and Roget.
Difference Between Dictionary and Thesaurus
DICTIONARY |
THESAURUS |
| It is a collection of words along with their meaning, pronunciation, definition, etc. | It is a collection of words along with their synonyms and antonyms. |
| Dictionary doesn’t show the antonym of words. | It shows antonyms of words. |
| It can be found in other languages. | English is the main language of Thesaurus. |
| It explains the meaning and definition of words. | It doesn’t explain meaning and definition of words. |
| The first dictionary was written in 2300 BCE. | First published in 1852 |
| The most popular dictionary is Oxford English. | The most popular thesaurus is Roget. |
| About 500000 words in the Oxford English Dictionary. | About 920000 worlds in the largest thesaurus. |
| Lists words alphabetically. | Lists words alphabetically or conceptually. |