tnt: thesaurus

[azuire]

Reminders: This week's topic and editing post! Both are due this Saturday, so I hope everyone's on top of their game. (If not, best of luck!)

Remember, if you have suggestions for prompts or TnT topics, feel free to let the mods know :)

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Some writers really like their thesauruses.

I mean really. I think it's fantastic to learn new words (cachinnate), or see a less used one pop up (defenestrate, vitriol), but when I have to stop reading and run for the dictionary, it becomes a nuisance (asseverate).

What do you think about Thesaurus Word of the Day? Should we dip into less-used words to write, or will everyday language suffice?

Comments

[silverflight8]

As far as English is concerned, I never use the dictionary, and it's irritating when writers use fancy, obscure words to prove the merit of their work. [Especially when it's obvious they used the thesaurus: seeing a synonym that has very distinct connotations used.]
On the other hand, if the character would talk like that (for instance, I read a book about a professor of linguistics, and I enjoyed the way he could describe things so precisely) or the time period had a different vernacular, I'd change my writing style.
I like words. Sometimes more than the story's plot. I just wish the implication of fancy words=good writing didn't exist!

[pipisafoat]

for instance, I read a book about a professor of linguistics, and I enjoyed the way he could describe things so precisely
Fascinating!

[silverflight8]

It was Tomcat in Love, by Tim O'Brien, about philandering professor. Didn't like the character much, but I loved the writing. A heads-up, if you have a trigger about mutilation: there's bit in the beginning.