Components of a dictionary entry

In a dictionary entry, which component is the word being defined, usually shown in bold print at the very beginning?

• The pronunciation guide

• The headword

• The definition

• The part of speech

Answer explanation

The headword is the main word at the start of a dictionary entry that all the other information describes. The other options are different components found within the entry.

Look at this phonetic spelling from a dictionary: /kənˈfjuːʒən/. Which component of a dictionary entry does this represent?

• The part of speech

• The example sentence

• The pronunciation guide

• The etymology (word origin)

Answer explanation

The symbols and stress marks, like /kənˈfjuːʒən/, are part of the pronunciation guide. This component shows you how to say the word correctly, which is especially helpful for unfamiliar words.

Match each dictionary abbreviation to the part of speech it represents.

• verb (an action or state of being)

• v.

• adjective (describes a noun)

• adv.

• adverb (describes a verb or adjective)

• n.

• noun (a person, place, or thing)

• adj.

Answer explanation

These are standard abbreviations used in dictionaries to indicate a word's grammatical function: 'n.' for noun, 'v.' for verb, 'adj.' for adjective, and 'adv.' for adverb.

The word 'run' has many meanings. Which definition is being used in the sentence: "My favorite TV show is in its final run"?

• To move at a speed faster than a walk

• A continuous series or sequence

• A tear or snag in fabric

• To be in charge of; manage

Answer explanation

In this context, 'run' refers to the show's final series of episodes. The context of 'TV show' helps you choose this definition over others like the physical act of running or a tear in a stocking.

Sort these words based on their most common part of speech: Noun or Verb.

Groups:

(a) Noun

,

(b) Verb

• analyze

• hypothesis

• theory

• conclusion

• evaluate

• investigate

Answer explanation

Words are sorted by their grammatical function. 'Analyze,' 'evaluate,' and 'investigate' are actions (verbs), while 'theory,' 'hypothesis,' and 'conclusion' are things or concepts (nouns).

The word 'content' can be pronounced /kənˈtɛnt/ or /ˈkɒntɛnt/. Which pronunciation is correct for the sentence: "She was content with her grade"?

• /ˈkɒntɛnt/ (stress on the first syllable)

• /kənˈtɛnt/ (stress on the second syllable)

• Both are correct in this context

• Neither is correct

Answer explanation

When 'content' is an adjective meaning satisfied, the stress is on the second syllable (con-TENT). The pronunciation with stress on the first syllable (CON-tent) refers to the noun meaning subject matter.

The word 'light' has multiple meanings. Match each sentence to the correct definition of 'light' being used.

• Pale in color

• The box was surprisingly light.

• A source of illumination

• Turn on the light, please.

• Not heavy

• She wore a light blue shirt.

Answer explanation

The meaning of 'light' changes with context. It can mean 'not heavy,' a 'source of illumination,' or 'pale in color,' as shown by how it's used in each sentence.

In the sentence, "We need to record the meeting," what part of speech is the word 'record'?

• Noun (a collection of related data)

• Verb (to store information)

• Adjective (describing something)

• Adverb (modifying a verb)

Answer explanation

In this sentence, 'record' is an action that 'we need to' do, so it functions as a verb. The noun form (RE-cord) would be used in a sentence like, 'Let's check the record.'

Sort these items into the dictionary entry component they belong to: Headword, Pronunciation, or Definition.

Groups:

(a) Headword

,

(b) Pronunciation

,

(c) Definition

• resilient

• (adj.) able to withstand or recover quickly

• /rɪˈzɪliənt/

• ambiguous

Answer explanation

Each item is an example of a specific part of a dictionary entry. The bold words ('resilient' and 'ambiguous') are headwords, the phonetic spelling shows the pronunciation, and the explanation of meaning is the definition.

What is the primary purpose of the 'definition' section in a dictionary entry?

• To show how to spell the word

• To explain the meaning of the word

• To list all the word's synonyms

• To show the word's origin

Answer explanation

The main function of the definition is to explain what the headword means. Other components handle spelling (the headword itself), synonyms (sometimes listed separately), and origin (etymology).