National Thesaurus Day is a celebration dedicated to the richness of language and the tool that helps us find the perfect words—thesauruses. This day honors Peter Mark Roget, who created the first modern thesaurus, providing writers and speakers with a valuable resource for expanding their vocabulary and enhancing communication.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 18
- Tagged as: Language, Vocabulary, Writing
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalThesaurusDay
- When was it founded?: Unofficially recognized, but celebrated annually
- Who founded it?: Celebrated in honor of Peter Mark Roget
History of National Thesaurus Day
The history of National Thesaurus Day is deeply intertwined with the life of Peter Mark Roget. Born on January 18, 1779, Roget was a British physician who dedicated his post-retirement years to compiling the first modern thesaurus, published in 1852. His work has significantly influenced language use by providing a comprehensive list of synonyms to aid in precise communication.
Timeline
- 1779: Birth of Peter Mark Roget.
- 1848: Roget begins compiling his thesaurus.
- 1852: Publication of Roget’s Thesaurus.
- Present: Continual updates to Roget’s Thesaurus to include modern language.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 18 | Saturday |
| 2026 | January 18 | Sunday |
| 2027 | January 18 | Monday |
| 2028 | January 18 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | January 18 | Thursday |
Observed
National Thesaurus Day is observed by engaging in activities that celebrate language. People participate in synonym games, rewrite famous texts using a thesaurus, and explore new words to enhance their vocabulary.
Fun Facts About National Thesaurus Day
- The word “thesaurus” comes from the Greek word meaning “treasure.”
- Roget’s original thesaurus contained about 15,000 words; today’s versions have vastly expanded.
- Using a thesaurus can help avoid repetition and improve writing quality.
Quiz
- What is the birth date of Peter Mark Roget?
- What does the word “thesaurus” mean in Greek?
- In what year was the first modern thesaurus published?
(Answers: 1. January 18, 1779; 2. Treasure; 3. 1852)
FAQs
- Why is National Thesaurus Day celebrated on January 18?
- It marks the birthday of Peter Mark Roget, the creator of the first modern thesaurus.
- What is a thesaurus used for?
- A thesaurus is used to find synonyms and antonyms to enhance vocabulary and improve writing.
Importance of National Thesaurus Day
National Thesaurus Day highlights the importance of having a diverse vocabulary for effective communication. It encourages people to explore language deeply, aiding both personal and professional growth.
Related
- National Dictionary Day
- International Translation Day
- National Library Lover’s Day