Locating the Right Reference Tools: Dictionaries

Locating the Right Reference Tools: Dictionaries

Use a dictionary when you need to find out the meaning of a word, how to pronounce a word, or the etymology (history) of a word.

A dictionary is a book of most commonly used words with their spelling and definitions. Dictionaries may also show you how to say or pronounce a word, tell how many syllables a word has, or what part of speech a word is.

The most common type of dictionary we use is an abridged dictionary. It includes the words we use most frequently when we talk and read.

An unabridged dictionary lists all the words in the English language. It will be the largest dictionary in your library.

How is a dictionary organized?

The words in a dictionary will be in alphabetical order.

Where do I find a dictionary?

Dictionaries may be found on the reference shelf at REF 030 or REF 400, or in nonfiction at 030 with general works, or in the 400s with books on language.

When do I use a dictionary?

Use a dictionary when you need the definition of a word, the spelling of a word, the pronunciation, or the syllabication. It may also give you the origin of a word, a sample of how to use the word in a sentence, or other information about the word.

How do I use a dictionary?

Unfortunately, you do have to have some idea of how a word is spelled in order to find it in the dictionary. If you can guess at the first few letters you can look it up alphabetically.