English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Use dictionary definitions
Use dictionary definitions
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Accurately identify the most appropriate definition for a word based on its context within a sentence or passage.
Differentiate between multiple meanings (polysemy) of a single word using dictionary entries.
Interpret and apply information from a dictionary entry, including parts of speech, etymology, and usage notes.
Utilize dictionary synonyms and antonyms to enhance vocabulary and improve writing precision.
Evaluate the nuances of word meanings to improve comprehension of complex texts.
Effectively use both print and digital dictionaries as reliable reference tools for academic tasks.
Ever read a sentence and a word just stops you cold, leaving you scratching your head? 🤯 What do you do when a single word has five different meanings, and you need the...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Entry WordThe main word being defined, typically bolded and at the beginning of a dictionary entry.In the entry for **'ubiquitous'**, 'ubiquitous' is the entry word.
Pronunciation GuideSymbols and phonetic spellings that show you how to correctly say the entry word.The guide for 'ubiquitous' might look like /yo͞oˈbikwədəs/, helping you pronounce it correctly.
Part of SpeechIndicates the grammatical function of the word in a sentence (e.g., noun, verb, adjective, adverb). Often abbreviated (n., v., adj., adv.).For 'run', a dictionary might list 'v.' for its verb definitions and 'n.' for its noun definitions.
Definition/SenseThe specific meaning or meanings of the word, often numbered if there are multiple mea...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
Context is King
Always consider the surrounding words, phrases, and sentences to determine which definition best fits the meaning of the word in your specific text.
Before even looking at the dictionary, try to infer the word's meaning from its context. Then, use the dictionary to confirm or refine your understanding, matching the definition to the context you've identified.
Match the Part of Speech
Ensure the part of speech of the definition you choose matches the part of speech of the word as it is used in your sentence.
If the word in your sentence functions as a verb, you must select a verb definition from the dictionary. If it's a noun, choose a noun definition. This is crucial for polysemous words that can function as different parts of speech.
Read...
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
A student wrote in an essay: 'The new law will effect the economy in major ways.' You are peer-editing and have access to these definitions:
effect (n.): a result or consequence.
effect (v.): to cause (something) to happen; bring about.
affect (v.): to have an influence on; to touch the feelings of.
Which piece of feedback is most accurate and helpful?
A.'Effect' is correct because the law is a result.
B.You should use 'affect' because it is a verb and means 'to influence.' This is the most common verb choice.
C.You should use 'effect' as a verb, meaning 'to bring about,' because the law is directly causing the changes.
D.The sentence is grammatically incorrect; you cannot use 'effect' or 'affect' in this context.
Challenging
In a debate, a student argues that a new policy is 'untenable.' An opponent, trying to dismiss the argument, says 'Untenable just means it's not a real word.' Based on the dictionary entry below, what is the flaw in the opponent's claim?
untenable (adj.) [uhn-ten-uh-buhl] from un- ('not') + Latin 'tenēre' ('to hold').
1. (especially of a position or view) not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.
Synonyms: indefensible, insupportable.
A.The opponent correctly identifies that 'untenable' is not a real word.
B.The opponent misinterprets the meaning; 'untenable' means 'temporary,' not 'indefensible.'
C.The opponent is ignoring the clear dictionary evidence that 'untenable' is a valid word with a specific, relevant meaning and a clear etymology.
D.The opponent is right about the meaning but wrong about the pronunciation.
Challenging
A student is writing an argumentative essay and wants to use a precise word to describe a flawed argument. They are considering 'specious' and 'spurious.'
specious (adj.): superficially plausible, but actually wrong.
spurious (adj.): not being what it purports to be; false or fake.
Which sentence demonstrates the most nuanced and effective use of one of these words?
A.The evidence was spurious because it looked real but was a forgery.
B.The argument was specious; it sounded logical at first, but its reasoning was full of holes.
C.The specious coin was easily identified as a fake by the expert.
D.Her spurious logic seemed convincing until we examined the facts.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free