Here's why:
* Focus on definitions: Encyclopedias aim to explain concepts, events, or people in detail.
* Comprehensive information: They provide a broader picture of a subject rather than focusing on individual word relationships.
* Limited space: Encyclopedias are usually limited in space, and including synonyms and antonyms would take up valuable room.
Where to find synonyms and antonyms:
* Dictionaries: These are specifically designed to provide word meanings, including synonyms and antonyms.
* Thesaurus: This specialized reference book focuses exclusively on synonyms and antonyms.
* Online resources: Many websites and online dictionaries offer synonym and antonym tools.
So, while an encyclopedia won't directly tell you the synonym or antonym of a word, it can certainly help you understand the meaning of that word in context, which can aid in finding synonyms and antonyms.