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What we talk about when we talk about synonyms (and what it can tell us about thesauruses)

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 15:36 authored by Lynne MurphyLynne Murphy
This article uses corpus evidence to examine uses of the word synonym in two ways. First, it examines whether uses of synonym match common dictionary definitions of the word. This turns up both senses of synonym that are missing from general dictionaries and broadenings from the basic ‘sameness of meaning’ sense represented in most dictionaries. After reviewing user studies that discuss synonym searches, the article turns to the study of a web-derived corpus of text related to searching for synonyms. The corpus gives insight into the types of expressions that people seek synonyms for, the reasons they search for them, and how well thesauruses meet those needs. These are considered with reference to seven electronic thesauruses. The data indicate types of expression for which thesaurus treatment could be improved, including multiword, closed-class, and ‘vulgar’ expressions. Suggestions are made for future directions in electronic thesaurus design and usability research.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

International Journal of Lexicography

ISSN

0950-3846

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Issue

3

Volume

26

Page range

279-304

Department affiliated with

  • English Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2013-09-05

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2013-09-05

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