Using a Dictionary and Thesaurus

If a word has several definitions, which one will be listed first in a dictionary?

• The definition that the dictionary-makers like the first

• The most common definition

• The oldest definition

• The least common defintion

In what way is a thesaurus different from a dictionary?

• A thesaurus contains entries in different languages; a dictionary contains entries in only one language

• A thesaurus tells you how to use different words; a dictionary is simply a list of words

• A dictionary lists entries in alphabetical order, the listings in thesaurus are organised by topics

Tim's dictionary includes the etymology of the word "robot," and sees that it comes from a Czech word. In the previous sentence, what does "etymology" mean?

• The definition of the word

• The origin of the word

• The number of syllables in the word

• The word class of this word

The guide words at the top of a dictionary page are "garment" and "gestate." Which word would be defined on that page?

• Gamate

• Garden

• Gelid

• Geyser

Why are words in dictionaries broken up by dots?

E.g. dic-tion-a-ry

• The dots indicate breaks between syllable

• The dots indicate the language which the word comes from

• The dots indicate what part of speech the word is.

• The dots hint at the word's meaning

If a dictionary definition includes the letter "v," what can you conclude about the word being defined?

• It's pronounced with a strong 'V' sound

• It begins with letter 'v'

• It has five syllables

• It's a verb

Why should you use a dictionary to look up words you find in a thesaurus?

• Because words in thesaurus are often misspelled

• Because thesaurus-makers' definitions are not as good as those of dictionary-makers

• Because words in a thesaurus are not always exact synonyms

How can you compare the functions of a dictionary and a thesaurus?

• A thesaurus defines words, a dictionary shows you how to spellthem

• A thesaurus gives you a different definition for words, a dictionary gives you the main definitions

• A thesaurus helps you find the words you are looking for, a dictionary helps you define them

How can a thesaurus help you improve your writing? Choose the best answer.

• It can help you spell difficult words

• It can help you find more interesting words to use

• It can help you find rhyming words

• It can help you define words you don't know