USING DICTIONARIES:
An unabridged
dictionary is the best because it is the most complete and accurate
one available.
In the dictionary,
you'll notice the correct spelling of the word is given with the pronunciation.
The key to such sounds usually appears in the very beginning of the
dictionary. Some computerized dictionaries will even pronounce the word
audibly. You'll then see a strange symbol like n. or v. This tells
you the part of speech the word usually represents. The principal parts
of the verb form will appear such as the past participle and the present
participle. Following are several meanings for the word from most common
to least used. Occasionally you might find the history of the word,
synonyms (words that mean nearly the same) and antonyms (opposites for
that word), and perhaps a sentence that clarifies the definition.
Some typical
dictionary entries may look like this:
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e.nun.ci.ate
v. -ated, -ating, -ates
1.
To pronounce or articulate (speech sounds) especially,
to pronounce with clarity or in another specified manner.
2. To state or set forth precisely or systematically
: enunciate a doctrine. 3.
To announce; proclaim. [Latin enuntiare, enunciare : ex-
out + nuntiare, to announce.]1
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This
entry indicates the syllables or the word, then the pronunciation, then
the part of speech (here, it's a verb), and then it sets forth several
definitions with a phrase to clarify meaning number 2. Notice that after
meaning number 3 for this definition, we find that the root of this
word comes from a Latin word which is a combination of two smaller Latin
words "ex-" meaning "out" and "nuntiare"
meaning "to announce".
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