Studyfin
✨ Sign up free
Hi there! Let's learn how to use digital and print dictionaries to build your vocabulary.
A dictionary is a great tool to build your vocabulary. It helps you find a word's meaning, pronunciation, and syllables. Syllables are the beats in a word when you say it.
To say a word correctly, look at its pronunciation guide. Dictionaries use special symbols and bold text to show you which syllable to stress. This helps you speak with confidence.
Words also have a part of speech, like noun or verb. Knowing this helps you use the word in the right way when you write.
✏️ Worked example
Let's analyze the dictionary entry for the word 'Incredible' to find its syllables, pronunciation, and meaning.
- Look at the word division dots: in•cred•i•ble. This shows us the word has four syllables.
- Check the pronunciation guide: /ɪnˈkrɛdəbəl/. The symbol ˈ is right before 'cred', which means we say that part loudest.
- Read the part of speech label: 'adj.' This tells us 'incredible' is an adjective used to describe nouns.
- Read the definition: 'difficult to believe; extraordinary.' Now we can use it correctly in a sentence!
Want the full interactive lesson — quiz, animations, and Finn cheering them on?