Thesaurus

Thesaurus is unique tool for writers and songwriters. It is a group of synonyms or words with more or less the same meaning and antonyms or words with more or less the opposite meanings.

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Here is information on the secret power of using one for songwriting. It can take your lyrics and images to a hole new level. You can also find good ones online.

They come in two forms. The first is like a dictionary where the words are placed in alphabetical order. To look up “structure” you look under “S”.

The second is like an index. In this form the words are placed by meaning, so to look up “structure you have to look up "structure" which will be listed in the index at the back. You use the index to indicate what page “structure” appears on. An index form is the absolute best for songwriting.

The trick is to decide what word is the best synonym in your situation. Connotative or implied meaning can be different between similar words. This can have you communicating something you didn’t want to say when you use a word you are not sure how to use.

When in doubt use a word you are familiar with. Often the image you get from two words can be quite different even though the words are very similar.

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Use words you are sure about or can ask someone to get you on the right track. If you’re not sure, the safest thing is to stick to the words you know.

Long words can be the wrong words so don’t use them just to impress. The intent is to communicate what you want the other person to hear.

There are very common misspellings such as thesuarus, thesaraus, theasurus and thesourus. No matter how you spell it using one improves your writing.

There are several good ones out there. Examples are: English Words & Phrases, The Synonym Finder, Webster's New World, Oxford American Desk and Random House Word Menu.

There are also numerous ones online to check out.

However my favorite and the secret to writing great lyrics and songs is the indexed Roget's International 6th edition. It holds the secret to building powerful word lists and phrases. Go to Rogets Thesaurus secret power page now.