USING A DICTIONARY

Library Instructional Program

Outline

I. Definition of a Dictionary

II. Two Types of Dictionaries

III. Special Dictionaries

IV. Kinds of Information a

Dictionary Provides

V. How to Use a Dictionary

VI. Tips in Using a Dictionary

�I. Definition�

A dictionary, also referred to as a lexicon, wordbook, or vocabulary, is a collection of words in one or more specific languages, often listed alphabetically, with usage information, definitions, etymologies, phonetics, pronunciations, and other information; or a book of words in one language with their equivalents in another, also known as a lexicon. [Wikipedia]

II. Two Types of Dictionaries

A. Abridged

• a condensed dictionary which excludes many words and much information about words.

​

B. Unabridged

• the unabridged dictionary records practically most of the words in the language with all their definitions.

�III. Special Dictionaries�

There are special dictionaries confined to particular problems of meaning and usage, and to other fields such as science, music, literature, etc. Your acquaintance with them will depend on your individual needs. Some dictionaries of this type are:

a. Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Management

b. Computer Dictionary

c. Blackwell's Dictionary of Nursing

d. Dictionary of Economic Terms

e. Management Dictionary

f. Marketing Dictionary

g. The Mariner’s Dictionary

�IV. Kinds of Information a Dictionary Provides and Arrangement of Entries in a Dictionary�

First word on page

Last word on page

​

​

Word meaning/

definition

Spelling

​

Pronunciation & Syllabication

​

Part of speech

Etymology

​

Entries are in alphabetical order

Kinds of Information an Online Dictionary Provides

V. How to Use a Dictionary

1. Familiarize yourself with the dictionary.

Dictionaries vary in approach. The best way to learn how to use your particular dictionary effectively is to read its introductory section where you'll find out how the entries are arranged.

​

• Introductory section - explains important information such as:

- the abbreviations

- pronunciation symbols used throughout the entries.

V. How to Use a Dictionary

2. Know how to look up a word.

When you come across a word you don't recognize or know the meaning of, keep a note of it. When you get around to looking it up, here is the sequence to follow:

​

​

1. Proceed to the letter of the alphabet that your word begins with.

How to look up a word in a dictionary

For example, you are looking for the meaning of the word Dictaphone.

2. Check for the guide words.

3. Use the second letter of your word to run down the page and locate your word.

4. Scan down the list of entry words to find your word.

V. How to Use a Dictionary

4. Think about how the information you've found relates to the word as you encountered it.

If there are multiple definitions, decide which one matches your source or context for the word and notice how the different definitions are related to one another.

V. How to Use a Dictionary

5. Use your dictionary for other purposes than looking up a word.

Many dictionaries come with an array of other useful information. Some of the information that you might find in your dictionary includes:

• Standard letters for jobs, RSVPs, filing complaints, official writing, etc.
• Maps and geographical information.
• Statistics on population.
• Weights, volume and measurements.
• Lists of countries, cities, capitals, etc.
• Flags of countries, states, provinces, regions, etc.
• Lists of famous or historical people.
• Lists of facts.

​

V. How to Use a Dictionary

6. Learn how to use an online dictionary.

Choose a suitable free online dictionary, or a subscription one if your place of work or study subscribes, and simply type in the word you're looking for. The search engine will return the word to you and the definition section should contain most of the elements discussed above.

​

• Note that free services may not be as comprehensive as a subscription or book dictionary, so keep this in mind when you're not sure that you've found the right answer.
• Make use of the audio content provided with online dictionaries. This can help considerably when you're unsure how to pronounce the word.
• To use Google to find online definitions, type: "define: futile". The search engine will only look for definitions.

​

7. Have fun using a dictionary.

The last step is the most fun – simply browse a dictionary to enlighten yourself about new words now and then.

1. Just open the dictionary up to any page and scan the page for words that are unfamiliar or seem interesting.
2. Pinpoint them, read the definition and try to add the new word to your thinking or talking during the next few days until it becomes a remembered part of your natural vocabulary.

V. How to Use a Dictionary

1. If you can't seem to locate your word, make sure you're spelling the word correctly.

For example, you won't find "isotope" if you're looking in the A section, which you might be tempted to do if, for example, your chemistry teacher speaks with a bit of a southern accent!

2. If you're having trouble spelling a word, try the spell-checker in a word processor and see what it suggests.

3. Old dictionaries make excellent door stops or hollow books.

VI. Tips in Using a Dictionary

VI. Tips in Using a Dictionary

4. Even though it's easy to check words using an online dictionary, the free ones don't always provide enough information, so it pays to always have a hard copy dictionary on your bookshelf to call upon whenever needed.

5. Don't be afraid to study the etymology of a word. Since much of our language is derived from Greek or Latin, you'll often find yourself learning root words from them, but after you have, you'll find that it can be easier to understand words that are new to you simply by looking at the structure of the word.

​

VI. Tips in Using a Dictionary

6. Language is defined to a large degree by usage. You can help keep a language alive by using more of it. Try to occasionally use words that are "getting dusty" either in written or verbal communication. English is the closest thing to a universal language on Earth, and it deserves a chance to thrive.

VI. Tips in Using a Dictionary

• Warnings
• Printed dictionaries may go out of date as the language changes, so check the copyright date of yours.

​

• Dictionaries vary in content, and some are very specific. Look at the title to find out what you have.

​

References

• Book

Fernando, Jovita N., Pacita I. Habana, Alicia L. Cinco (1988). College English for Today, Book 1. Mandaluyong City: National Book Store.

​

• Electronic sources

How to Use a Dictionary. Retrieved February 1, 2011, from http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Dictionary

Paul Shoebottom (1996-2011).  How to Use a Dictionary Effectively. Retrieved February 1, 2011, from http://esl.fis.edu/learners/advice/dic.htm

Thank you for listening!☺

​