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Dictionaries have been around for a long time. They are a reference for our words, and as new words become part of the language, dictionaries get updated. There are so many versions of them. Some dictionaries are specialized for particular reasons. They may contain medical or legal terms. Some may be biblical dictionaries with words that are only found in the Bible. Regardless of whether you use a specialized dictionary or a general dictionary, the purpose and layout is usually the same.

*Preface Pages of a Dictionary: In the preface pages of a dictionary, you will usually find information about the publisher and contributors to that particular version of the book. Next, you will probably find an outline or page map, explaining in detail how the book was set up. There is likely to be a pronunciation and abbreviation table in the front of the dictionary too. If the dictionary is specialized, you may find additional references indicative of the specialty in the front pages of it.

*Basic Set Up of a Dictionary: Dictionaries are primarily written in alphabetical order, meaning they begin with words from the first letter of the alphabet and end with words from the last letter of the alphabet. Actual words are printed boldly. Next to the word, you will find a phonetic pronunciation. The grammatical part of speech for the word is written in italics next to the pronunciation key. Different derivatives of the word are also listed, as well as tenses. Sometimes dictionaries will offer phrases or sentences to show how the word might be used correctly.

When looking at a page in a dictionary, there are two words at the top of it, one on either side. These are called guide or list words, and they let you know what you will be able to find on that page. Any word that fits alphabetically between the guide words is listed there.

It is common to find synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms in some dictionaries. Many of them actually are printed as Dictionary/Thesaurus books. Thesauruses help you find other words to use, allowing you to expand your vocabulary. Dictionaries that list synonyms usually do so directly at the end of the word you are looking up.

*Special Reference Section: Many dictionaries have a special reference section at the back of the book. This section contains common information like Countries of the World, Weight and Measurement Tables, Common Signs and Symbols, Presidents of the United States, and it may even have a section defining the parts of speech.

While it is very easy to look up words online these days by searching for the definition, *define:word*, this method will never be able to replace a real dictionary that is full of all sorts of information. Learning to use a dictionary is easy. Dictionaries improve spelling, grammar, language, and vocabulary skills. They are well worth purchasing and using whenever you need to find the perfect word to help you communicate more effectively with the world around you.

Learn more about this author, M. J. Joachim.
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