Words that are Specific
Completion requirements
Unit 3
What Does It Mean to Explore?
Reader's Notebook
Words that are specific and meaningful
Your reader should not have to work too hard to read a poem you write.
If you choose a specific word, and put words in the right order, the meaning you convey will be clear.
One way to find the most specific word for your poem is to use a thesaurus.
A thesaurus is a book that lists synonyms and antonyms. In an alphabetically arranged thesaurus, look up your word as you would in a dictionary, or type the word into google search and type either synonym or antonym next to it.
Search: run synonyms
The thesaurus will provide alternate verbs for the word run such as
- to move quickly. bound, canter, barrel, lope, scramble, flee, scurry, skedaddle, hasten, race, rush, spurt, jog, sprint, scuttle, scamper, dart, dash, rush, tear, trot, whisk, whizz
- to flow. drop, shed, drain, seep, bleed, cascade, weep, ooze, stream, trickle, exude, pour, course, gush, spill, flood, course
- to proceed. happen, go, progress, move along, pass, move forward, go by, pass by, propel, persevere
- to manage. boss, conduct, superintend, administer, govern, lead, control, handle, manipulate, direct, rule, organize
- to function. act, perform, react, work, operate, process, execute
When you use a synonym, be sure the word is specific, accurate, and that it fits your meaning.
Using the thesaurus entry for run above, find two synonyms to replace the word “run” in each of the following poetic lines. Make certain your choice fits the meaning of the word in each line.
1. Black and white skunk attacks,
then runs.
2. Sun up till noon
I run up the sail on my boat.
3. Rain water seeps and gurgles
Water runs over the dam.
Choose which of the following words are the most precise or specific.
Flower or Royal Lilac
Bittersweet shade or Night
Fiery chariot or Car
House or These walls
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