When expanding known vocabulary through semantic gradients, what is a major limitation of using only a thesaurus?

• A. It helps memorize synonyms
• B. A thesaurus does not distinguish between shades of meaning
• C. It provides grammatical rules
• D. It teaches pronunciation

Answer: (B)

Recognizing shades of meaning is essential when expanding vocabulary through semantic gradients. A thesaurus groups related words and lists synonyms, but it doesn’t show how those words differ in nuance, connotation, intensity, or the contexts in which they’re most appropriate. That gap matters when you’re trying to place words along a gradient of meaning, because you need to know which term carries a lighter or stronger sense, or which one fits a formal or informal setting. For example, words like happy, glad, and ecstatic are all positives, but they convey different levels of excitement and are used in different situations; a thesaurus might link them as related, yet won’t guide you on the exact nuance or register for each context. Dictionaries, usage notes, and example sentences provide that nuanced guidance, showing how a word’s meaning shifts with tone and surrounding words. The other options aren’t the focus here—grammar rules or pronunciation aren’t what a thesaurus supplies, whereas understanding shades of meaning is what semantic gradients rely on.