Learn what dictionaries can tell you and how to use them effectively for pronunciation and meaning.
📖 Introduction
Dictionaries are powerful tools for English learners. On the previous page, you saw the IPA symbols for consonants and vowels. Let's see how dictionaries use these symbols to help you pronounce words correctly.
🔍 Dictionary Entry Example
This example shows how a dictionary entry contains multiple pieces of information. The pronunciation symbols (kəˈræf) tell you exactly how to say "carafe" using the IPA symbols you learned in Lesson 1.
ca•rafe(kəˈræf)n.a glass bottle for serving water, wine, or coffee
Word • Pronunciation • Part of speech • Definition
🎯 Dictionary Features
Modern dictionaries provide much more than just definitions. Explore these essential features:
🔊
Pronunciation
Shows exactly how to say each word using phonetic symbols
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Definitions
Clear meanings and explanations of words
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Parts of Speech
Noun, verb, adjective, adverb classifications
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Examples
Sample sentences showing proper usage
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Origins
Word history and etymology
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Synonyms
Related words with similar meanings
🖥️ Interactive Demo: Dictionary Lookup
Click a word to see its complete dictionary entry with pronunciation, definition, and example:
Click a word above to see its dictionary entry!
📌 Important Note
💡 Reading Dictionary Symbols: You may see pronunciation symbols inside [brackets], /slashes/, or (parentheses) depending on which dictionary you use. The symbols are the same - only the brackets change!
📚 How to Use a Dictionary: Step by Step
Beyond pronunciation, dictionaries provide many other types of helpful information for English learners:
1
🔍 Find the Word
Look up your word alphabetically or search online
2
🔊 Check Pronunciation
Look for phonetic symbols in parentheses
3
📖 Read the Definition
Understand the word's meaning and usage
4
💭 Study Examples
See how the word is used in sentences
🎯 Practice Tip: Use both online and paper dictionaries to become comfortable with different formats!