English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Use dictionary definitions
Use dictionary definitions
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between multiple definitions of a single word based on its grammatical and literary context.
Analyze a word's etymology to understand its historical development and deeper meaning.
Identify a word's part of speech and its function in a sentence using a dictionary entry.
Use a dictionary to determine the precise connotation and denotation of a word for literary analysis.
Select the most appropriate synonym from a dictionary's usage notes to enhance writing clarity and style.
Interpret phonetic spelling to correctly pronounce unfamiliar academic vocabulary.
Ever read the word 'sanction' and wondered if it meant 'to approve' or 'to penalize'? It means both! 🤯
This tutorial will show you that a dict...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
DenotationThe literal, primary, and explicit meaning of a word, as found in a dictionary. It is the objective definition, free from emotional association.The denotation of the word 'snake' is 'a long, limbless reptile'.
ConnotationThe emotional, cultural, or associative meaning a word carries in addition to its literal definition. Connotations can be positive, negative, or neutral.The connotation of the word 'snake' is often negative, suggesting evil, betrayal, or danger.
EtymologyThe study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history. It is usually shown in brackets [ ] in a dictionary entry.The etymology of 'malaria' comes from Medieval Italian: 'mala aria', which means...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Context is King
Always select the definition that best fits the surrounding words and the overall meaning of the sentence or passage.
A single word can have multiple, even contradictory, meanings. Ignoring the context in which the word is used is the most common cause of misinterpretation. Analyze the sentence to understand what is being discussed before choosing a definition.
Part of Speech Determines Function
Identify the word's part of speech in the sentence *before* choosing a definition.
Dictionaries group definitions by part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.). A word like 'run' has dozens of meanings, but if you know it's being used as a noun in 'a run in her stocking,' you can immediately ignore all the verb definitions.
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Challenging
A student is writing a thesis statement about a character who is hesitant to speak about her past. Following the tutorial's example, which word choice is more precise and why?
Dictionary Excerpts:
reticent (adj.): not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily.
reluctant (adj.): unwilling and hesitant; disinclined.
A.'Reluctant' is better because it is a more common and easily understood word.
B.'Reluctant' is better because it implies the character is unwilling to do anything at all.
C.'Reticent' is better because it specifically describes an unwillingness to share thoughts or feelings.
D.'Reticent' is better because it has a more negative connotation than 'reluctant'.
Challenging
A student reads the line, 'The tyrant ruled with an iron fist,' and concludes the ruler was literally made of metal. This flawed analysis most likely stems from which dictionary-related error?
A.Misinterpreting the phonetic spelling of 'tyrant'.
B.Confusing the literal denotation with the figurative connotation.
C.Choosing the wrong part of speech for the word 'iron'.
D.Ignoring the etymology of the word 'fist'.
Challenging
An author describes a politician's speech as 'glib.' The dictionary offers two main definitions: 1. (of words or the person speaking them) fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow. 2. (archaic) smooth and slippery. How does the author's choice of 'glib' create ambiguity for the reader?
A.It suggests the politician's speech was both persuasive and insincere, creating a complex characterization.
B.It is unclear whether the politician was speaking quickly or slowly.
C.It forces the reader to decide if the politician is a historical figure or a modern one.
D.It implies the speech was either well-researched or poorly-researched.
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