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How to Use a Dictionary

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How to Use a Dictionary

61,680 views October 25, 2010 1:36

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A dictionary is one of the most valuable tools available for improving your English language skills. Here are some ways to maximize a dictionary's usefulness.

Step 1: Practice using alphabet
Become adept at navigating through the alphabet. The words in the dictionary are arranged in alphabetical order, so it will be easier to find them if you can quickly recognize alphabetic order.

Step 2: Use guide words
Note the guide words at the top of the page. These words identify the first and last entries on the page.

Step 3: Learn abbreviations
Consult the dictionary's front matter for a list of abbreviations and their explanations. Abbreviations may be used for academic fields, stylistic or geographic designations, and etymologies.

Step 4: Recognize similar spellings
Consult the front matter for a list of spellings that can produce a similar sound if you know the pronunciation of a word, but not the spelling. Then check alternate spellings of the word until you find it.

Tip
For example, the sound of k in the word "kick" is identical to the sound of c in "call".

Step 5: Identify correct definition
Make sure the definition for the word you are looking up matches the context in which the word was used where you saw it. Words in the dictionary may have more than one meaning, so you shouldn't settle for the first one listed.

Step 6: Learn pronunciation symbols
Consult the dictionary's front matter for a list of pronunciation symbols. Try saying the word after you look at the pronunciation key.

Did You Know?
The first English language dictionary was published in 1604.

About this tutorial

Howcast published this 1:36 video tutorial on October 25, 2010. It has been watched 61,680 times on YouTube.

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Howcast
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Published
October 25, 2010
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Further reading

  • Using a dictionary esl.fis.edu

    Use the guide words at the top of each dictionary page; and keep practising until you can find any word within 10 seconds. You should also practise finding words in your own language in your bilingual dictionary. If you…

  • How to use a dictionary - BBC Bitesize bbc.co.uk

    A dictionary can be used to look up the meaning of a word.. You can also use a dictionary to check the spelling of a word.. Dictionaries may also give other information about words, such as word ...

  • Using dictionaries | TeachingEnglish | British Council | BBC teachingenglish.org.uk

    Learners then use their dictionaries to complete the table. As a follow up activity, learners look back at the text and discuss why the particular parts of speech were used in that context. This activity underlines the…

  • How to Use a Dictionary: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow wikihow.com

    To use a dictionary, start by finding the right section of the dictionary using the first letter of the word you want to look up. For example, if you want to look up the word "dog," you would go to the "D" section of th…

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