How to effectively use An English Dictionary : How to effectively use An English Dictionary
Slide 2 : Generally the dictionary is used to understand the meaning of a word
In addition to the meaning of the word, lot of other information is there: : In addition to the meaning of the word, lot of other information is there: Guidelines to understand the various symbols
Guidelines to understand the phonetic alphabet used for showing the pronunciation
Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary has many other additional entries at the end of the dictionary
In addition to the meaning of the word, lot of other information is there: : In addition to the meaning of the word, lot of other information is there: Information about the part played by the word
Origins or roots of words
Words that can be derived from the head word
Phrases or idioms associated with the word
How to find words? : How to find words? Words are given in alphabetical order:
open the dictionary to as close to
the first letter or two of the word as possible.
To help the search, dictionaries have guide words to help.
How to find words? : How to find words? The first guide word is the first word on the left side page at the top, and the second guide word is on the right side page at top.
The first guide word appears as the first word on the left side page and the second guide word appears as the last word on the right side page.
Understanding of the word : Understanding of the word Words printed in larger type and with a key symbol are part of the Oxford 3000 list of important words
Dots between the words show the number of syllables in the word i.e. vowel sounds
e.g. com.mit.tee/ex.pand/prep.ar.ation/Sun.day
Understanding of the word : Understanding of the word Pronunciation of the words is given soon after the words in phonetic alphabet e.g. ran.dom /'rændәm/
If a word has two pronunciations then both are given e.g. either
If a word has a different American pronunciation then that too is given e.g. tomato, transform
Understanding of the word : Understanding of the word In the dictionary, stress is shown either by underlining or by stress(') mark. Secondary stress is shown as (,).
In some dictionaries, the stressed part is underlined.
Understanding of the word : Understanding of the word Different ways in which the word can be used in phrases are given below the main word.
Slide 11 : A good dictionary and the knowledge of using it properly can be the best facilitator in the process of learning.