Monolingual dictionaries are very useful. Again, Khatz is the man. But the ability to discuss the target language in the target language is very useful for several reasons. One, we do this all the time in our native language. In order to communicate our meaning, we often have to twist and turn around with our words until we are satisfied with the meaning we are conveying. Being to able to navigate a monolingual dictionary, to begin to use the target language reflexively reaps great rewards in the future, and I can already feel them. Especially for a stutterer, who relies on synonyms :)