Though many novice poets try to make their poems elaborate with large words when using the thesaurus, a more mature poet will use this vital reference tool as a medium to express exactly what they wish to manifest in their writing. In selecting words, one has to see if it fits with their imagination, and their ideal. If the thesaurus is used as an escape, poems can become messy and unnatural, being inconsistent and wavering in mood. Like a brother of the dictionary, the thesaurus can aid you in your vocabulary, but the choices are more particular and refined.
Selecting a Synonym
In poetry, the ideal to write exactly what is in your imagination is very difficult to reach. Though picking the right words to create the mood and image of your vision can be achievable through resolve. When you come across a word in your poem that you are doubtful of being the exacting definition of what you want to create, strive to choose a synonym that will conjure precisely your visualization.
In choosing what you believe to be the correct representation of your imagination, read it out loud several times to feel the word in correlation with the section of the poem in which it is placed, or in relation to the whole poem. Reading out loud makes clear the atmosphere and nuances of the poem, while reading it silently can delude our hearing of the subtle power of your composition. Don’t be afraid to look over many words as substitutes for your chosen word – there are almost innumerable words to find that could characterize your visualization.
When Your Search Does Not Find an End
At times, you might choose a word that is close but not exact to your ideal. This may become a trail of searching, but one has to be disciplined to land on their model accurately. Each new synonym is like a fresh tributary in which to wade.
Firstly, you can examine the synonyms for the word that was very close, but not yet unflawed. If this proves to yield no results, consider all the synonyms of the related words to the first word chosen. Continue selectively to stream through the choices of synonyms and their relations until you have arrived at your satisfaction.
It is vital to know as an author that you have the chosen the closest to truth in words. This truth may be connected to your imagination, or hard fact, but invariably it is tied to your happiness as a poet to see your work in its utter completion. Perfection is not something attained by the mind, but by extending beyond it.
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