Definition in Selected Vietnamese Synonym Dictionaries

Abstract

This article investigates the definition component in selected Vietnamese synonym dictionaries, with a focus on how definitional methods are employed to distinguish meanings within synonym sets. Based on a comparative analysis of adjective, noun, and verb synonym groups across different dictionaries, the study reveals that the definitional practices remain largely confined to a single method and are applied inconsistently, resulting in limited effectiveness in semantic differentiation. The findings indicate that the exclusive and non-systematic use of one definitional method fails to accommodate the diverse structural types of synonym sets. On this basis, the article argues for a more flexible combination of definitional methods in the compilation of synonym dictionaries in order to enhance semantic discrimination and practical usability.