Dictionary Entries: Components of a dictionary entry (e.g., headword, pronunciation, part of speech, definition) Set-1 -

The part of speech in a dictionary entry, often abbreviated as *n.* or *v.*, tells you how to pronounce the word.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The part of speech tells you the word's function in a sentence (noun, verb, etc.). The pronunciation guide is what shows you how to say the word.

Look at this simple dictionary entry: **e·nor·mous** /əˈnôrməs/ *adj.* very large in size. Which part is the headword?

• e·nor·mous

• /əˈnôrməs/

• adj.

• very large in size

Answer explanation

The headword is the word being defined, which is almost always the first thing you see in an entry and is typically in bold print.

The part of a dictionary entry that explains what a word means is called the (a)   .

Answer explanation

The definition is the core component of a dictionary entry that provides the meaning or meanings of the headword.

In a dictionary, the word you are looking up is usually printed in bold at the very beginning of the entry. This part is called the (a)   .

Answer explanation

The headword is the main word that the rest of the entry—pronunciation, part of speech, and definition—describes. It's typically bolded to stand out.

In the entry for 'gargantuan' (/ɡärˈɡan(t)SH(o͞o)ən/), what is the purpose of the symbols inside the parentheses?

• To show the word's origin

• To list synonyms for the word

• To show you how to pronounce the word

• To give an example sentence

Answer explanation

Dictionaries use phonetic symbols in a pronunciation guide to show the correct sounds for saying a word, which is especially helpful for difficult or unfamiliar words.

True or False: If you wanted to look up the definition for the word 'walked,' the headword you'd find in the dictionary would be 'walked.'

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Dictionaries typically use the base form of a word as the headword. You would look up 'walk' to find the definition, and the entry might mention 'walked' as the past tense form.

Your friend looks up the word 'track' and finds five different definitions. What's the best explanation for why a word might have multiple definitions?

• The dictionary has a printing error.

• The word can be used in different ways and has more than one meaning.

• One definition is for spelling and the others are for grammar.

• The extra definitions are just for other languages.

Answer explanation

Many words in English are versatile and can mean different things depending on the context. For example, 'track' can be a path, a part of a railroad, or a verb meaning to follow something.

You're writing a script for a school play and need to be sure you say the word 'chasm' correctly. The (a)   guide in the dictionary entry is the most important part for you to check.

Answer explanation

The pronunciation guide is specifically designed to show you how to say a word aloud, making it the most useful component when you need to speak a word correctly.

A dictionary entry for 'haste' lists it as a noun (*n.*) meaning 'excessive speed.' The same entry notes the adjective form is 'hasty.' To correctly describe a decision made too quickly, you would call it a (a)   decision.

Answer explanation

By understanding the part of speech information, you can choose the correct form of the word to fit your sentence. 'Hasty' is an adjective that can describe the noun 'decision.'

Read this sentence: 'The team will *record* their fastest time yet.' Now look at the dictionary entry. Which definition number best fits how 'record' is used in the sentence? **rec·ord** *n.* 1. (/ˈrekərd/) information kept in writing or another permanent form. *v.* 2. (/rəˈkôrd/) to set down in writing or some other permanent form for later reference.

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Both fit equally well

• Neither definition fits

Answer explanation

In the sentence, 'record' is an action the team will perform (a verb). Definition 2 is for the verb form of the word, which matches the context. Notice the different pronunciation for each part of speech!