Using the Dictionary
Dictionary Skills for University Students Introduction
Today we will talk about the dictionary.
The dictionary helps us learn English in a correct way.
It helps us understand words, use them correctly, and pronounce them well.
The dictionary is not only for meaning.
It gives us many important details about words.
What is a Dictionary?
A dictionary is a book or an online tool.
It:
lists words in alphabetical order (A–Z)
explains the meaning of words
shows how to pronounce words
tells us how to use words in sentences
Example:
If you see a new word in a text, you use the dictionary to understand it.
Important Terms (Clear Explanation)
1. Alphabetical Order
This means words are arranged from A to Z.
Example:
apple
ball
car
To find a word, you must know the alphabet well.
2. Entry Word (Headword)
1
The entry word is the main word in the dictionary.
Example:
study
This word is written in bold.
All information below it is about this word.
3. Meaning
The meaning explains what the word means.
Example:
student: a person who studies at school or university
4. Pronunciation
Pronunciation tells us how to say the word.
It can be:
phonetic symbols
audio sound (in online dictionaries)
Example:
student /ˈstjuː.dənt/
This helps us speak correctly.
5. Part of Speech
This tells us what type of word it is.
Common parts of speech:
Noun: name of a person or thing
teacher, book, city
Verb: shows an action
study, write, go
Adjective: describes a noun
2
happy, big, difficult
Adverb: describes a verb
quickly, well
Example:
study (verb)
study (noun)
6. Example Sentence
An example sentence shows how the word is used.
Example:
She studies English at university.
This helps us understand the word in context.
7. Word Forms
The dictionary shows different forms of the word.
Examples:
plural: child → children
past tense: write → wrote
-ing form: study → studying
Types of Dictionaries
1. Monolingual Dictionary
English word → English meaning
Example:
success: the achievement of something you want
Good for:
Improving vocabulary and thinking in English.
2. Bilingual Dictionary
3
English word → Arabic meaning
Example:
success = نجاح
Good for:
Quick understanding and beginners.
3. Paper Dictionary
A book
No internet needed
Good for:
Classroom use and exams.
4. Online / Electronic Dictionary
On phone or computer
Advantages:
fast search
audio pronunciation
many examples
What Information Can We Find in a Dictionary?
When you look up a word, you can find:
Meaning
Pronunciation
Part of speech
Example sentence
Word forms
Sometimes synonyms (words with similar meaning)
How to Use a Dictionary Correctly
4
Step 1: Find the Base Form
Do not search for:
went → search go
studying → search study
Step 2: Use Alphabetical Order
Think about:
first letter
second letter
Example:
cat comes before dog
Step 3: Read All Meanings
Some words have more than one meaning.
Example:
bank
a place for money
the side of a river
Choose the meaning that fits the sentence.
Step 4: Check the Example
This helps you use the word correctly in writing and speaking.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Answer the Questions
What is a dictionary?
What is pronunciation?
What is a noun?
Why are example sentences important?
5
Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Meaning
The word “light”
This bag is light.
Turn on the light.
Do the meanings change? Why?
Exercise 3: Dictionary Practice
Look up these words and write:
meaning
part of speech
one example sentence
Words:
improve
culture
confident
Conclusion
The dictionary is an important learning tool.
It helps you:
understand words
pronounce them correctly
use them in correct sentences
Do not use the dictionary only for translation.
Use it to learn English better.