File(s) under permanent embargo
What we talk about when we talk about synonyms (and what it can tell us about thesauruses)
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 LexicographyISSN
0950-3846Publisher
Oxford University PressExternal DOI
Issue
3Volume
26Page range
279-304Department affiliated with
- English Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2013-09-05First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2013-09-05Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC