This document provides information on how to improve your English vocabulary by learning how to use a dictionary effectively. It discusses that a dictionary defines words, provides spelling, pronunciation, part of speech, origin, meaning, usage, synonyms and antonyms. It also lists 9 specific things that can be learned from a dictionary, including spelling, pronunciation, parts of speech, origin of words, meaning, usage, synonyms and antonyms, foreign words and phrases, and general information. The document encourages learning how to use the dictionary to clarify spelling, learn pronunciation, understand parts of speech and meanings, and get information on word usage and origins.

1. How to work on your
vocabulary(english language)
Lecture-3

2. today’s session is in two parts. In 1st part
you will learn the use of a dictionary
In second part you will learn how to
build/improve your vocabulary

3. Definition of Dictionary A dictionary is a
book that not only lists and records the
words of a language but it also tells you
how speakers of the language spell,
pronounce, define, explain and use the
words of their language.

4. A dictionary is reference book also as it
provides useful information. it is useful
only if you learn how to use it correctly and
efficiently

5. List of Dictionary use (9)
The following is a list of things that can be learned from a
dictionary.
 spelling
 pronunciation
 parts of speech
 origin of the words
 meaning/explanation
 usage/restrictive labels
 synonyms &antonyms
 foreign words & phrases
 general information

6. 1.Spelling
Many students find English spellings very
confusing. So what do you do? Consult
your dictionary. It will clarify your confusion
by showing you the different spelling of the
word.

7. look at the words catalogue/catalog,
theatre/theater, metre/meter. You must
have noticed that the dictionary lists both
BR. And AE/US spelling of the words.
Both are correct

8. 2. Pronunciation
students have problems pronouncing
English words. A dictionary will help you
learn the pronunciation of any word if you
are familiar with the symbols in which they
are written. All language dictionaries carry
a pronunciation key/table. It should be
read

9. 3. Parts of speech:
All dictionaries indicate what part of speech a
word belongs to-whether the word is commonly
used as
N(noun), ProN( pronoun), V(verb)
(tran.”transitive” intr.”intransitive),
Adj(adjective),Adv(adverb),
Conj ( conjunction),Art(article),
or Prep ( preposition)

10. 4.Origin of the words
some dictionaries indicate the orign& dev.
Of a word before it became an english
word. For example, if you look up the
meaning of “convulse” you will find the
following information:
L convaisus pp of convellere to tear loose
<com,together+vellere,to pluck. To shake
and disturb violently.

11. 5.Meaning/Explanation/ Definition of words.
the most important information about a
word is its meaning .
Most words have many meanings or shades
of meaning. Do not read just the first
meaning listed of the word you are looking
up. Go down the numbered list

12. Look for meaning that best suits the context
I which the word is used. also look up
words above& below the word you are
looking up. You will find that words are
often closely related. It will extend you
recognition of the word in other forms and
contexts

13. 6. Usage/Restrictive Labels.
Br./Am; formal/informal ,colloquial ,dialectal,
archaic, poetic, slang. This information is
important in writing . A dictionary will tell
you the usage of words and phrases,
idioms/proverbs of the language

14. It will also tell you about the limitations of the
use of the word.
special labels are used to show this. If a
word is no longer in current use it will be
labeled archaic (arch) or obsolete (obs.)
other labels will tell you of the level of
usage: whether the word has literary
flavor (poetic) is slang (sl), formal (fml) or
informal (infml).

15. 7. Synonyms and Antonyms
similar & opposite meanings of words.
Frequently given but not in all dictionaries.

16. 8. Foreign words and Phrases:
Dictionaries define/ explain many common
foreign words and phrases either with the
main entries or in a special section at the
back.

17. 9.Genral Information
this section varies from dictionary to
dictionary. Names of important persons,
places, countries, nationalities, are listed
either in the alphabetical arrangement of
words or in special sections at the back.