Hello, folks!
Today I would like to talk with you about effective usage of the dictionary. We all know that sometimes it might take a while to recognize the most appropriate definition, but stay motivated and you'll make the most of your dictionary!
Today I would like to talk with you about effective usage of the dictionary. We all know that sometimes it might take a while to recognize the most appropriate definition, but stay motivated and you'll make the most of your dictionary!
So what can you do to break this task down into small and manageable chunks? Follow me:
- Know Your Dictionary. Do you know the difference between prescriptive and descriptive dictionary? Well, you'd better do. When you go through a prescriptive dictionary, you won't find any explanation or definition of the word, because it's mainly used by native speakers, who are already fluent in English (or sometimes by advanced learners in order to build up their confidence). So, what dictionary provides a wide range of relevent information for average language learner? That's descriptive dictionary, which includes not only a definition, but a whole bunch of examples, grammar notes and even pictures.
- What Is the Word. Sounds quite stupid, I know, but hold on I'll make myself understood. What is the difference between ridicule and ridicule? It looks like there is no difference, but, if you concentrate your mind, "ridicule" can be a noun or a verb, depending on the context. This knowledge can easily break you out of the vicious circle of searching the right explanation. So, the dictionary tells you how to use specific words, accordingly to the part of speech. Moreover, make sure, that you do not omit so-called "word families", because, when you figure out the word formation, it'll never slip your mind.
Well, now, you can look the words up with remarkable ease and build your vocabulary with the help of dictionary.
Here's the word I constantly mispronounce:
Company /ˈkʌmpəni/ - a business organization that makes money by producing or selling goods or services.
Company /ˈkʌmpəni/ - a business organization that makes money by producing or selling goods or services.
My often confused pair:
Ensure - to make sure that something happens or is definite.
Ex.: We must take steps now to ensure the survival of these animals.
Insure - to buy insurance so that you will receive money if your property gets damaged or stolen.
Ex.: The painting is insured for $1 million.
Ex.: The painting is insured for $1 million.
The new words (2016):
Soft kill - a winning shot which is struck with little or no force, by deceiving an opponent;
Lixival - relating to, or of the nature of lixivium or lye;
Goaler - a player whose principal duty is to defend the goal.
Have a nice life, bye!