I heard that studying a thesaurus improves ones vocabulary? (writing, course, subject)

[FreshFresh]

So I created flashcards using my thesaurus. But the challenge I'm having is that the thesaurus provides synonyms and not the definition.

So I'll have a flashcard with the word Curt. On the back there will be a list of synonyms to remember like "terse, brusque, etc . . "

But I dont know what terse and brusque means.

Is this a good method for improving ones vocabulary? or should I make changes?

[davebarnes]

If you are reading paper, then keep your tablet nearby and look up words in the dictionary that you do not know.
Read more complex works with larger vocabularies.

Don't read. Peruse.
When you look up the definition, say it out loud and scribble it down on a scrap of paper. Both techniques have been demonstrated to increase memory retention.
Read about topics that you enjoy.
Read more.

[Wild Colonial Girl]

Read actual books. Failing that, the worst way to learn about words is with a thesaurus, because not all the words are synonyms. Thesauruses are for when you're looking for a word that's not quite coming to mind.

Take terse and brusque. Terse is not verbose, it's about the number of words the person spoke, brusque is their whole manner.

[L210]

My vocabulary was broadened by reading the classics from the Romantic and Victorian eras. That wasn't my reason for reading the books; I just prefer reading older works.

[Rubi3]

Mainly, don't try to learn too many words at once. One or two, perhaps. I used to enjoy reading the dictionary to find interesting words I could use. I use the thesaurus when wanting a word which means the same as a word I don't want to repeat. I like to vary words.

[124c41]

For me, reading helped my vocabulary more than anything. Especially if it's a subject I am really interested in. Sometimes, too, as davebarnes said, peruse. Usually, if I find a word I'm not sure of the meaning of, I try to remember if I have ever heard it used in context, and that sometimes is my answer. Of course if all else fails, it's Dictionary time.

[germaine2626]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

If you are reading paper, then keep your tablet nearby and look up words in the dictionary that you do not know.
Read more complex works with larger vocabularies.

Don't read. Peruse.
When you look up the definition, say it out loud and scribble it down on a scrap of paper. Both techniques have been demonstrated to increase memory retention.
Read about topics that you enjoy.
Read more.

I agree that is a good technique.

I frequently use a large Post-It note as a book mark when I am reading a book. I can easily write down a word that I don't know and the page number (so I can reread the word in context). I can easily look up the unfamiliar word when I have a chance later in the day or week.

Some people use the technique of writing these new words on flashcards and periodically reviewing them.

[ovcatto]

Originally Posted by Wild Colonial Girl

the worst way to learn about words is with a thesaurus,

The worst way? That's a rather dubious argument. I can't think of any "worst" ways, if the lead to greater proficiency.

[TabulaRasa]

Reading regularly for your own interest improves your vocabulary organically in a way that drilling with flashcards, etc. never will. Readers have broader vocabularies than nonreaders. Just how it is.

[Felix C]

^^This. Quality reading works. But not scanning or superficial reading. One has to critique the text while reading so the words are recalled later and become part of your vocabulary.
Writing as well because you draw from texts and your own recollections.