Dictionary Day: Unlocking Lexical Possibilities with the Dictionary

October 16 is Dictionary Day! We all know that the dictionary is your go-to reference when looking up the definitions of words. Dictionaries are more than just a repository though, they are a wellspring of lexical information. For this article we recommend four ways of perusing your favorite online dictionary, but some of these can be found in your classic hardbound tome, too!

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1. Pronunciation

Phonetics is basically another language in itself, and your dictionary is full of different combinations of the phonetic alphabet. Couple that with the audio tool found on most online dictionaries, and you’re sure to be a phonetic pro in no time.

2. Etymology

If you’re the type to go into information rabbit holes, then look no further. Words have their own family trees, tracing their origins from older languages or older versions of English. It’s always fun to see which words are related to one another.

3. Usage History

Some words might sound a lot newer than they actually are. Lucky for us, Merriam-Webster provides timelines for its entries, showing when the term was coined, how it was first used, and how it is used today.

4. Citation

Want to use a word in a sentence? Your online dictionary can do you one better. It can provide you with examples of where the word was used, be it a book, a publication, or online article.

It’s always great to know how you can maximize your resources and use them to your advantage. Once you’ve mastered the dictionary enough to wield your favorite words, consult an editor to make sure that your vocabulary skill is sharp. Visit The Manuscript Editor today and get a free sample when you create your account.