How to Use a DictionaryEdited by Imperatrix, Nathan Wong, Ben Rubenstein, Jen and 27 othersPin ItArticleEditDiscussOf the approximately大约，近似地 1 million words in the English language, the average English speaker knows 60,000 of those words,1 A dictionary can be a very handy tool. Besides helping with spelling and word meanings, being able to use a dictionary effectively and regularly is a perfect way to improve your English language skills through the dictionarys range of other helpful information on everyday language usage and grammar. This article will explain how to make the most of using your dictionary.EditStepsDictionary HelpSample Dictionary DefinitionsSample Vocabulary ActivitiesUsing a Dictionary1 Keep a good dictionary near where you study, work, or read1 Purchase购买 a quality dictionary. If you dont already own a good dictionary, consider purchasing one during sale time. Its also a good idea to upgrade升级 your dictionary every now and then so that you have access to the latest new words that are added to the dictionary every year.Consider purchasing specialist dictionaries if theyd be useful in your study or career. Some examples of specialist dictionaries include language dictionaries, technical dictionaries, rhymes押韵, crossword纵横字谜, subject dictionaries (for example, for math, chemistry, biology, horticulture, etc.), illustrated图解的 dictionaries (excellent for learning another language or for technical knowledge), slang and idioms, etc.Note that many countries have their own native dictionaries that might be more helpful than sourcing a dictionary from just anywhere, such as the Macquarie dictionary in Australia, Oxford dictionary in England, Websters dictionary in the United States, etc.Some schools, universities and workplaces prefer the use of one particular dictionary. This is for reasons of maintaining a consistent style and understanding among everyone using them; make sure you use the right one for your assignments, editing, and reports.22 Familiarize yourself with your dictionary. Dictionaries vary in approach. The best way to learn how to use your particular dictionary effectively is to read its introductory section where youll find out how the entries条目 are arranged. The introductory section of your dictionary will explain important information such as the abbreviations缩写词 and pronunciation symbols used throughout the entries. There may also be information on pronunciation of words with similar spellings; this can be helpful if you have only heard a word and youre not sure of its spelling. For example, if you hear not, it might also be knot but the k is silent, and this list can help you with suggestions.3 Know how to look up a word.3 Know how to look up a word. When you come across a word you dont recognize or know the meaning of, keep a note of it. When you get around to looking it up, here is the sequence顺序 to follow:Proceed to the letter of the alphabet 字母表that your word begins with. For example, dog begins with d. Dont forget the possible spellings for trickier 棘手的words, such as gnome土地神 begins with a g, or psychology begins with a p, or knock begins with a k, etc.Check for the guide words. These are located in the upper corner of each page and give you an indication of how close you are to locating your word, speeding up the process of going through the pages.Once close, use the second letter of your word to run down the page and locate your word. For example, if you were looking for the word futile, u is the second letter. Perhaps you will see furrow/futtock in the upper left corner of the left page and futtock plate/gaberlunzie in the upper right corner of the right page. Now you know that futile is going to be located on one of these two pages.Scan down the list of entry words moving past Furry and Fuse and Fuss. Since the example word begins with Fut, go past all the Fur and all the Fus words alphabetically until you reach the FUT area of the page. In this example, move right down through Fut and Futhark and this is at last, where you will find futile.44 Know how to make the most of your find. Once youve located the word, there are several useful elements要素 that you can discover about the word from the dictionary entry. Read the information given about this entry, and depending on your dictionary, you might find many things:A definition of the word.One or more pronunciations. Look for a pronunciation key near the beginning of the dictionary to help you interpret解释 the written pronunciation. Learn how to use the stress marks, as these will aid your pronunciation. The stress mark is place just prior在前 to the syllable音节 where the stress is placed.2Capitalization用大写, where relevant有重大作用的.Prepositions, such as in, on, etc. and their use with the word in question.Irregular endings for verbs.Synonyms近义词 and antonyms反义词. You ca