Use dictionary entries

Learning Objectives Identify the key components of a dictionary entry, including the entry word, pronunciation, part of speech, and definitions. Use guide words to efficiently locate a word on a dictionary page. Interpret a word's pronunciation guide to say the word correctly. Distinguish between multiple definitions for a single word and select the one that fits the context of a sentence. Identify a word's part of speech (e.g., noun, verb, adjective) from its dictionary entry. Apply dictionary skills to improve their reading comprehension and writing vocabulary. Ever read a word that looked like a secret code and wished you had a decoder? 🕵️ A dictionary is exactly that—a powerful tool to unlock the meaning of any word! In this lesson, we will become word detecti...

TermDefinitionExample Entry WordThe word you are looking up, shown in bold print at the beginning of an entry.In the entry for 'brave', the word **brave** is the entry word. Guide WordsThe two words at the very top of a dictionary page that tell you the first and last entry words on that page.If the guide words are 'lizard' and 'load', you know that 'litmus' will be on that page, but 'local' will not. PronunciationSpecial symbols and letters in parentheses that show you how to say a word out loud.For the word 'character', the pronunciation might look like (kăr′ĭk-tər). Part of SpeechAn abbreviation that tells you the word's job in a sentence, such as whether it is a noun (n.), verb (v.), or adjective (adj.).In the entry for...

The Guide Word Rule A word belongs on a dictionary page if it falls alphabetically between the two guide words at the top of the page. Use this rule to quickly find the right page. Instead of scanning every word, just check the guide words to see if your word will be on that page. The Multiple Meanings Rule When a word has more than one numbered definition, read the sentence it's in to choose the meaning that makes the most sense. Context is key! The same word can mean different things. For example, 'fly' as a verb is different from 'fly' as a noun (the insect). The Part of Speech Rule Check the part of speech (n., v., adj.) to confirm you are using the word correctly in your sentence. This helps you build better sentences. If you need a word...