How to use a dictionary

Choose the right type of dictionary. Occasionally, you should change your dictionary to keep up with newly added vocabulary each year.

• Consider buying a specialized dictionary if it helps with learning or work. Some examples of specialized dictionaries include linguistic dictionaries, technical dictionaries, alphabetical dictionaries, crossword dictionaries, subject-specific dictionaries (such as for math, chemistry, biology, etc.), visual dictionaries (great for learning languages or understanding technical knowledge), slang and idioms dictionaries, and others.
• Be aware that many countries have their own native dictionaries, which are often more effective than the ones you might find elsewhere, such as Macquarie Dictionary in Australia, Oxford Dictionary in the UK, Webster’s Dictionary in the US, and others.
• Some high schools, universities, and businesses prioritize the use of a specific dictionary. This is because they want students or employees to have a consistent understanding and use of terms, ensuring that everyone uses the correct terminology for assignments, editing, and reporting.

Read the introduction section. The best way to learn how to use a particular dictionary is to read the introduction, where the organization of the entries is explained. The introduction provides essential information such as abbreviations and phonetic symbols used throughout the dictionary.

• This section outlines how the entries are organized (they often list the vocabulary, its variations, word types, pronunciation, definitions, etc.). After reading it, you'll know how to search for words and how to use the information you find.
• Additionally, it includes details on the pronunciation of words with similar spellings, which can be helpful when you hear a word but are unsure of its spelling. For example, if you hear "not," it might be the word "knot" with the silent 'k', and this list will give you hints to identify the correct word.

Understand abbreviations. Dictionaries often use abbreviations in the word's definition. Therefore, you may sometimes feel confused if you're not familiar with these abbreviations. Typically, a list of abbreviations is provided near the beginning, in the introduction, or shortly after.

• For example, “adj” stands for “adjective” and tells you what type of word you're looking up. Similarly, “adv” or “advb” refers to “adverb” or “adverbial” (both describing adverbs).
• For the symbol "n," there are at least three possibilities: most commonly it means "noun," but it can also refer to "neuter" or "north," depending on the context. Thus, you need to be aware of the context in which the word you're searching for is used.

Learn the pronunciation guide. If you jump straight into searching for words without understanding the pronunciation guide, you may find the symbols confusing. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the meanings of these symbols first.

• The pronunciation of a word is enclosed between slashes (\ \).
• A single stress mark (') placed before a syllable indicates the primary stress, while a double stress mark (") before a syllable indicates secondary stress, and unstressed syllables are not marked. For example, the word penmanship would be transcribed as \'pen-m&n-"ship\.
• The symbol \&\ represents an unstressed vowel. This symbol often appears between a stressed vowel and one of the consonants \r\ or \l\, such as in the word sour \'sau(-&)r\.
• The symbol \ä\ represents the “a” sound found in words like "caught" or "fought." Compare this symbol with \a\, which denotes the “a” sound in words like "mat," "map," "snap," and others. A vocabulary word doesn't necessarily need to contain the letter "a" to have this pronunciation.

Find the correct dictionary section by the first letter of the word you are looking for. Dictionaries typically organize words alphabetically. For example, the word "dog" starts with "d" and will be in the section between "c" and "e."

• Be mindful of words that may be confusing, such as "gnome," which starts with "g," "psychology," which starts with "p," or "knock," which starts with "k" and so on.
• If you’re sure about the first letter, you can begin your search there. However, if you can’t find the word, try searching in a different section. For instance, if you're unaware that "psychology" starts with "p," you may first search in the "s" section. Once you don’t find it, continue in the "p" section, since you can deduce it from words like "psychic" and "psychosis."
• Remember, some words sound the same but are spelled differently. For example, "throne" and "thrown" have different spellings and completely different meanings. So, be cautious when you’re looking up words.

Read the guiding words. These two words are located at the top of the page, showing you which words are on that page. They help you precisely identify where the word you're looking for can be found.

• For instance, you would open the section for the letter "B" if you're searching for the word "bramble." As you flip through the pages, look up to the top to find the words "braid" and "bread." These indicate that words between these two will be on that page. Since "bramble" starts with "b-r-a," it will appear in this section.
• Because dictionaries are always arranged alphabetically, "bramble" (b-r-a) comes before "bread" (b-r-e).

Scan from top to bottom. If you're searching for the word "futile," scan along the words "furry," "fuse," and "fuss." Since the word you're looking for starts with "f-u-t," you will need to skip over words starting with "f-u-r" and "f-u-s" until you reach the section with words beginning with "f-u-t." In this case, you would scan through "fut," "Futhark," and then find "futile."

Read the meaning description. Once you've located the word, you will see its meaning description (the most common meaning is listed first if there are multiple). You will also see pronunciation, capitalization rules (if it's a proper noun), word type, and more.

• One common issue is that learners may struggle to understand the description because it contains words they don't know, which might require further searching. However, don't be discouraged. Check if you can understand the example sentences provided; if not, you should look up the unfamiliar words.
• Sometimes, dictionaries also list synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings). For example, "futile" has synonyms like "fruitless" and "unsuccessful," and antonyms like "effective" or "helpful." You'll also see related words such as "futility."
• Many dictionaries also indicate the origin or history of the word. Even if you don't know Latin or Ancient Greek, this information can help you remember and understand the word.
• Many dictionaries also provide spelling for different English variants (American English, British English, Australian English, etc.).

Alternatively, you can use an online dictionary. Online dictionaries are easy to use, simply choose a free one that suits you, or opt for a paid version if your school or workplace subscribes. You just need to type the word you're looking for into the search box, and the search tool will return that word with its meaning, along with all the components mentioned above.

• Take advantage of the audio features available in online dictionaries, which are especially helpful if you're unsure of how to pronounce a word.
• If you want to use Google to find the meaning of a word, just type "futile nghĩa là" (meaning of futile). The search tool will find its definition.
• Be aware that free apps are not as comprehensive as paid versions or paper dictionaries, so keep that in mind if you're unsure whether you've found the right answer.

The dictionary also offers standard letter templates. Typically, paper dictionaries (not online applications) include a variety of standard letter templates for job applications, responses, complaints, and other formal documents.

Discover a wealth of additional information. A dictionary not only provides vocabulary and word meanings but some also offer a wealth of information about the world in list formats. One of the most common types of information included is geographical data (maps, countries, cities, capitals, etc.).

• Paper dictionaries often feature data about weight and volume units, along with conversion tables between various units. This function is especially handy when you need to convert between pounds and kilograms, for example.
• You can also find statistical data on population in various cities and countries, as well as images of flags from nations, states, provinces, and regions worldwide.
• Many dictionaries also include lists of famous people or historical figures for research purposes.

Learn joyfully with the dictionary! Whenever you have free time, you can expand your knowledge by browsing through the dictionary. Just open any page at random and see if you encounter an unfamiliar or interesting word. Pay attention to its meaning and try to add it to your vocabulary or use it later to help solidify it in your memory.

• Play dictionary games with your friends. This game requires a dictionary and a few participants. The first person looks up a difficult word and uses it in a sentence. The others must guess whether the word is used correctly or if it's made up. If someone guesses correctly, it's their turn to challenge.
• Here’s another game: Each person selects a familiar word and reads its definition aloud from the dictionary. The others must quickly guess what word it is, sometimes shouting out answers while the definition is still being read.
• Try the foreign language dictionary game. Pick a tricky word and ask everyone to guess its meaning, writing it on a piece of paper. Meanwhile, write the correct definition on another piece. Then, mix up the papers and let everyone guess which one is correct.