Using a dictionary

A dictionary is a list of words or phrases and their definitions (what they mean).

Dictionaries are arranged in alphabetical order.

They help you to spell or understand any new words, so are a fantastic tool to help you improve your English skills.

Before we look at dictionaries in more detail, let’s revise what alphabetical order means.

Now watch this short clip to see how to use a dictionary to look up an unfamiliar word.

In an English dictionary you'll find words beginning with 'a' at the front and 'z' at the back.

There are lots of words in the English language which begin with 'a' so it's not just the first letter that is important. Words are organised alphabetically according to the following letters in a word too.

For example, ‘ankle’ will come before ‘ant’.

The first two letters of both words are the same ('a' and 'n'). The third letters are different though ('k' and 't').

The letter 'k' comes before 't' in the alphabet, so you'll find 'ankle' before 'ant' in the dictionary.

Fill in the gaps in the sentences about dictionaries.

Look at the list of words below. You might know some of them already.

Write down each word then look up what they mean using a dictionary or online dictionary.

Copy out the definition.

• Infinite

• Illegible

• Meddle

• Erosion

• Adoration

• Supersede

Now choose three of the words and use each one correctly in a sentence. For example:

The infinite blue sky stretched out before him.

Choose three of the following words and then look them up in a dictionary or online dictionary.

• neighbour
• sleigh
• obey
• complain
• unearth
• prey

For each word you need to write down:

1. The word (eg. happy)
2. The word type (eg. adjective)
3. A definition of the word (eg. delighted, pleased or glad)
4. An example of the word used in a sentence (eg. I was so happy to see my best friend.)

Complete the following tasks questions using a dictionary or an online dictionary.

For each task, write the word down correctly and then write out what the word means.

1. Find a word the begins with re-.

2. Find a word that begins with dis-.

3. Find a seven letter word that begins with mis-.

4. Find an adjective that begins with un-.