Use dictionary entries
Key Notes :
What is a Dictionary?
- A dictionary is a reference book that lists words in alphabetical order along with their meanings, pronunciations, and other information.
Parts of a Dictionary Entry:
- Word (Headword): The word being defined, usually in bold.
- Pronunciation: Symbols showing how to pronounce the word (e.g., /ˈdɪkʃənəri/).
- Part of Speech: Indicates whether the word is a noun, verb, adjective, etc.
- Definition: The meaning of the word, which may include multiple definitions.
- Example Sentence: A sentence using the word to show its meaning in context.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Words with similar or opposite meanings.
How to Use a Dictionary:
Finding a Word:
- Use the alphabetical order to locate the word quickly.
- Know the first letter of the word to start searching in the correct section.
Understanding Pronunciation:
- Refer to the pronunciation guide to pronounce unfamiliar words correctly.
Identifying Parts of Speech:
- Recognize how the word can be used in sentences based on its part of speech.
Benefits of Using a Dictionary:
- Vocabulary Building: Helps expand vocabulary by discovering new words.
- Improved Writing Skills: Assists in using words correctly in writing.
- Clarification: Provides clarity on the meanings of words that may have multiple definitions.
Learn with an example
Select the part of speech in this dictionary entry.
side \sahyd\ noun pl sides 1. the part on the left or right of something; not the back or front: The gate at the side of our house is broken. 2. the left or right part of your body; not your chest or back: I have a sharp pain in my side. 3. the edge: She parked the car at the side of the road. 4. one of two groups that are fighting or playing against one another: Whose side do you want to be on for this game?
The part of speech is noun.
Select the pronunciation in this dictionary entry.
weak \week\ adjective weaker, weakest 1. not powerful: When Nathan was sick, he was quite weak. 2. easily broken: The legs on that old table are weak. 3. not having very much of an important ingredient: This coffee is so weak that it tastes like water.
The pronunciation is \week.
Let’s practice!
Select the entry word in this dictionary entry.
chip \chip\ noun pl chips 1. a long, thin piece of potato fried in oil: I had a plate of chips for lunch. 2. a small piece of something that comes from something larger: Chips of paint are flaking off this old chair. 3. a small part in a computer that makes it work: How many computer chips are inside a single laptop?