How often to you use a dictionary? How well can you handle it?
A dictionary is essentially a book with translation, explanation, pronunciation and information about words. It is also called a wordbook, lexicon or vocabulary. The market offers too many options for those people who need or are fond of a dictionary.
Dictionaries are not necessarily a translation tool. Far beyond that they are reference of a given language and as so they offer many other possible uses. For example, if you are a poet or a musician you may want to check Rhymezone, which is a great dictionary for rhymes and other uses of words such as synonyms and anagrams. There is a huge variety and it is possible to have dictionaries of most languages and subjects. There are also dictionaries for phrasal verbs, mechanic, nursing, medicine, computer and others.
However, the question remains the same: have you ever gotten involved in any class in which you were taught on how to use a dictionary? Do you know the differences and the dictionaries available? Maybe not! But how can you get to know the importance and use you can get from dictionaries? Are they all the same? If I were to learn a language nowadays my action number one would be handling printed dictionaries and checking the web for the online ones. These can be of great help and I think you’ll love it if you try! I have my favorite dictionaries. Check my tips and my list below!
The American writer Ambrose Bierce created the world-famous Devil’s Dictionary which is a dictionary that presents words definitions with a sardonic view of human nature and a very humorous way. For instance, according to the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary a dentist is “a person whose job is to take care of people’s teeth”. In the Devil’s Dictionary “a dentist is a person who puts metal in your mouth and takes the money out of your pocket”!
Although Google has improved the way we see dictionaries and translation I would say it is only a drop in the sea of words. If you are interested on understanding how electronic dictionaries work I’d recommend the paper ELETRONIC DICTIONARIES. Traditionally Oxford and other great universities have provided us with wonderful material.
Check this list and know some other online dictionaries:
Oxford Advanced – Cambridge Adv – Macmillan – Longman – Chambers
Oxford Concise – Merriam-Webster – Free Dictionary – Dictionary.com
YourDictionary – Onelook – Answers – Wiktionary – Etymology – Google Define