can a synonym of the word be the definition?

Question

While sourcing for synonyms as part of my vocab homework, I realised that thesaurus. com never used definitions of words as synonyms even though the definitions can be one word long. E.g.tenuous and protean in thesaurus. com. can someone explain the rationale? shouldn't the definition be used in synonyms since they are more precise?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

I presume that they can organize their thesaurus however they like; Roget did.  There are no rules. Why don't you contact that website's administrator to find out their rationale?

Sandy sandyjr · Answer

you asked .......can a synonym of the word be the definition ?..... and my answer is No ......because A synonym is a word that means the same thing as another word.There are, of course, shades of meaning, but not every synonym is an exact substitute .....synonymous are relative to that context but they always don't convey exact meaning ......

whereas the definition means .....A definition precisely explains the fundamental state or meaning of something....a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol .....

Every synonym is not exact substitute ......synonyms do not have quality of explanation and specification ; on the contrary definition requires exact meaning ......definition requires fundamental state ...........definition requires 'clarity of outline' .......it requires explanation and specification

So synonym of the word can't be the definition ....

.but at the end you asked..... shouldn't the definition be used in synonyms since they are more precise? ....to this also answer is no .....
definition implies explanation ......and explanation is never done in one word ....and synonym requires one word .

At the end synonym cant be used as definition and definition cant be used as synonym

Anonymous · Answer

sandy sandyjrexplanation is never done in one word

Why can't? you can explain "exhausted" as "overfatigue". The synonym for exhausted is also "overfatigue". definition=synonym? Thx

Sandy sandyjr · Answer

the word exhausted is derived from L. exhaustus, pp. of exhaurire ........which means ...'to draw off or out, to use up completely' .....mainly this word would use in past for to draw out waste gas from steam engines .....in now a days also there is 'exhaust fans' in kitchen to draw out waste air/gas...etc.....so though you might associate the word exhausted with people, it's a word that can be used to talk about anything that's depleted.....however over fatigue the word only related to ' mental or physical exertion or illness'....fatigue means ......temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work............so over fatigue is only synonym it is not definition .......

explanation is never done in one word because definition means to set of boundaries ........an exact statement or description of the nature......I used the word 'explanation' related to definition ......so can we describe, set boundaries in only one word ?.........i think no .....so thatswhy explanation is never done in one word

can a synonym of the word be the definition?

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