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Using A Dictionary

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572 views25 pages

Using A Dictionary

Uploaded by

Lielet Matutino
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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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
First word on
IV. Kinds of Information a page
Last word on
Dictionary Provides and page
Arrangement of Entries in a
Dictionary
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:
How to look up a word in a dictionary
For example, you are looking for the
meaning of the word Dictaphone.

1. Proceed to the letter of the alphabet


that your word begins with.
2. Check for
the guide
words.

3. Use the
second letter of
4. Scan down the your word to run
list of entry words down the page
to find your word. and locate 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.
V. How to Use a Dictionary

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.
VI. Tips in Using 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

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!

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