Poets: Please describe logically, if the use of Thesaurus words has a positive or negative contribution?

Although I seldom use one, I believe they can only make a positive contribution. There are many instances where we search for just the right word to convey our intent, but find that the most relevant or common one, may leave the page looking a little bland. By trawling our own internal databases or a thesaurus, we may well find a better suggestion, which trips better off the tongue, and may even suggest an alliterative adjective to help the flow. IMHO

I'm answering the question before I read other comments.

I think there is definitely a role in use of a thesaurus in poetry. Sometimes a word wont come to you or the choice you have made feels wrong. A thesaurus allows you to find a more appropriate word. This can be more appropriate in meaning and rhythm/feeling.

A thesaurus is a tool, like a dictionary or a rhyming dictionary, that helps produce better literature (and poetry) and therefore better convey meaning.

Great poets often use words and language I don't always understand but I can still enjoy their poems. Some of Robert Burns' poems would be a good example.

I think "thesaurus" is being used as a criticism (not critique) due to the density of unfamiliar or unusual words in a poem. I personally don't mind this, it helps me stretch my understanding and gives me time to think about other aspects of the poem. Some people might compare this with trying to drink from a fire hydrant. I work in an environment where this sort of feeling is a daily occurrence and I often need to think over what I'm told. This is a challenge to me, but an enjoyable one. I probably don't always get all of the meaning but I can enjoy a poem for what I can get out of it regardless needing to look up a few words.

Just my 2 cents worth. Now I will look at the other comments.

Did the pre-Roget's poets have a thesaurus. No.

What is a spherical education? Are you making fun of John Newman's "well-rounded education"? If so, how does it relate to this question? If not then why not use a thesaurus and find a word that says what you mean?

Dictionaries and thesauruses can hamper the creativity of some, but in the age of Wikipedia I find comfort in the old way of words, even as I like new and "broken-down" structures I'm poetry. When you play with form AND meaning I get nervous.

Since you have not MADE any argument here, but merely described a divide, I cannot validate what has not been expressed.

I am dubious of the logic of poets. The implication here is that "I am right because I am clear to myself" which is poetic poison. We are all crystal clear to ourselves, no matter how delusional, confused or misplaced. I am only right if others can understand me.

Great question Gio

Many people I see here comment and don't like 'big words' or words they do not understand. Now although I profess there can be extremes with anything, with words, there can be no glass ceiling or a place to stay stop.

Words, and new words, synonyms (example: instead of saying take, or run with, say abscond) is just one example where imagery brings on a whole new meaning. It used to be that the word itself, any normal word, then is transmitted to the mind and one decides if they see imagery by use of pretty much every day words. Now, not only is it that, but the 'enhanced' word, the gifted word, the Thesaurus word, brings about even more life and imagery.......

I can't get enough of it. I try to learn a new word everyday, and if I could do more, I would.

So, my Answer: Positive Contribution

I think it depends upon the individual and how they actually use the thesaurus. If they are just looking up other ways to say "scratched," (and hopefully a way that rhymes), then yeah, that hurts that individual. They need to immerse themselves into a word and see actually what it is a DIFFERENT word in the first place if it had a similar meaning. It would be positive for anyone who actually takes the time to see why the word is similar or synonymous to another word but not actually the same. I think the difference remains upon the individual, amateur or seasoned.

Thesaurus is a great helping tool for improving my vocabulary and learning new words!

LC's nailed it. If you use a thesaurus then the words must be used in the correct context. I wouldn't be without mine. I use it frequently.

LC has nailed it Geo. Context can make the rare and new word totally ridiculous as it does not fit or worse still is not even in the same verb tense or is used as a noun when it is an adjective etc etc.

Plain simple language is used by one who values understanding. Grandiose and pretentious language is used by one who wants to laud their intelligence......but at times they end up making fools of them self.

Then there are those who just like to play games!

Edit: Let me clarify for you the answer to your last statement. The use of a Thesaurus in the wrong hands is negative. Is that clear enough for you?

It is a great way to learn how to use more specific words properly and I always recommend the use of a thesaurus for beginners; however, some people just use them without paying much attention and they use the words in the wrong context, or they just use the rarest and longest words to try to impress others.

I second what LC said.I like Hemingway's simple style of writing and think it should apply to poetry as well,short and sweet. The most famous OLD POETS are too difficult to read and I'm glad they are are all gone taking their words with them.