Components of a dictionary entry

Look at this simple dictionary entry: brisk (brisk) adj. 1. quick and energetic. What is the headword?

• brisk

• (brisk)

• adj.

• quick and energetic

Answer explanation

The headword is the word being defined, which is the first and usually bolded word in a dictionary entry.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Look at the entry: fleet (flēt) n. a group of ships. Match the information to the dictionary component it represents.

• Pronunciation

• (flēt)

• Definition

• fleet

• Part of Speech

• a group of ships

• Headword

• n.

Answer explanation

In a dictionary entry, 'fleet' is the headword, '(flēt)' shows its pronunciation, 'n.' identifies its part of speech (noun), and 'a group of ships' is its definition.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

The word 'novel' has two definitions: 1. (n.) a long fictional book. 2. (adj.) new and original. Which definition is used in the sentence: "The scientist had a novel idea for solving the problem."?

• Definition 1: a long fictional book

• Definition 2: new and original

• Both definitions apply

• Neither definition applies

Answer explanation

In this context, 'novel' is used as an adjective to describe the idea as being new and original, not as a noun referring to a book.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

The word 'run' has many meanings. Sort these sentences into the correct categories based on the meaning of 'run' being used: "Operate a machine" or "Move quickly on foot".

Groups:

(a) Operate a machine

,

(b) Move quickly on foot

• Can you run the dishwasher after dinner?

• I can run a mile in eight minutes.

• My dad taught me how to run the lawnmower.

• Please don't run in the hallways.

Answer explanation

The context of each sentence determines the meaning of 'run'. Running a lawnmower or dishwasher means to operate them, while running a mile or in the hallways refers to moving quickly.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

In a dictionary entry, the abbreviation adj. stands for what part of speech?

• Adverb

• Adjective

• Adjacent

• Adjust

Answer explanation

The abbreviation 'adj.' is the standard way to indicate that a word is an adjective, which is a word that describes a noun.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.10

CCSS.RI.5.10

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

Match each part of speech abbreviation to its full name.

• Verb

• v.

• Adverb

• n.

• Noun

• adv.

Answer explanation

These are standard abbreviations used in dictionaries: 'n.' for noun (a person, place, or thing), 'v.' for verb (an action), and 'adv.' for adverb (describes a verb).

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5A

CCSS.L.1.5B

CCSS.L.K.5A

The pronunciation for the word 'laugh' is shown as /læf/. Which of the following words rhymes with 'laugh' based on this guide?

• Cough

• Graph

• Though

• Bough

Answer explanation

The phonetic spelling /læf/ ends with the 'af' sound. 'Graph' (/græf/) shares this sound, making it rhyme. The other words have different vowel or ending sounds.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2F

Sort the information from a dictionary entry for 'record' into the correct component categories: Part of Speech, Definition, or Pronunciation.

Groups:

(a) Part of Speech

,

(b) Definition

,

(c) Pronunciation

• verb

• to write down for future use

• /rəˈkôrd/

• /ˈrekərd/

Answer explanation

The part of speech is indicated by 'verb'. The definition explains what the word means. The items in slashes (/ /) are pronunciation guides showing how to say the word.

Why is a pronunciation guide most helpful when you encounter a word like 'rendezvous'?

• Because it's a short word.

• Because its spelling doesn't match how it sounds.

• Because it's always a noun.

• Because it has only one meaning.

Answer explanation

Words like 'rendezvous' (from French) have spellings that are not phonetic in English. The pronunciation guide (/ˈrän-dā-ˌvü/) is essential to know how to say it correctly.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.1E

Match each dictionary component to its primary function.

• Shows how to say the word using phonetic symbols

• Example Sentence

• Explains the origin and historical development of a word

• Part of Speech

• Identifies the word's grammatical role (e.g., n., v., adj.)

• Pronunciation Guide

• Shows how a word is used in context

• Etymology

Answer explanation

The pronunciation guide shows how to say a word, the part of speech tells its grammatical job, the etymology explains its origin, and an example sentence shows how it is used.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.7

CCSS.RI.3.7

CCSS.RI.4.7

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7