Use dictionary entries

Key Notes :

What is a Dictionary?

A dictionary is a special book that tells you what words mean. It’s like a word expert! Dictionaries help us understand new words and use them correctly. They also tell us how to spell words and sometimes even how to say them.

How is a Dictionary Organized?

Dictionaries are organized in alphabetical order. This means the words are listed from A to Z, just like in the alphabet song! This helps us find words quickly and easily.

Parts of a Dictionary Entry

Each word in the dictionary has its own special spot called a dictionary entry. A dictionary entry usually has these parts:

• Word: The word itself (e.g., happy)
• Pronunciation: How to say the word (e.g., ˈhapē)
• Part of Speech: What kind of word it is (e.g., adjective)
• Definition: What the word means (e.g., feeling pleasure or joy)
• Example Sentence: A sentence showing how to use the word (e.g., She was very happy.)
• Find the Word: Look for the word you want to learn about in the dictionary. Remember to look in alphabetical order!
• Read the Definition: Read the definition to understand what the word means. Sometimes a word can have more than one meaning, so read all the definitions carefully.
• Look at the Example Sentence: The example sentence shows you how to use the word in a sentence. This can help you understand the meaning even better.
• Check the Pronunciation: If you’re not sure how to say the word, look at the pronunciation guide. It uses special symbols to show you how to pronounce the word correctly.
• Use guide words: Guide words at the top of each page tell you the first and last word on that page.
• Use your finger: Point to the words as you read them to help you focus.
• Practice regularly: The more you use a dictionary, the better you’ll become at finding and understanding words.

Summary

Dictionaries are important tools for learning new words, understanding their meanings, and using them correctly. Remember to use the alphabetical order and the different parts of a dictionary entry to help you find the information you need. Happy word exploring!

Let’s practice!