Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛri/ or /ˈdɪkʃənɛri/

Definitions

• Dictionary (noun): A reference book or online resource containing an alphabetical list of words, with their meanings, pronunciations, and other relevant information.
• Dictionary (noun): A reference source for terms and definitions related to a particular subject or field.
• Dictionary (noun): A compilation of words in a language, along with their definitions, translations, and other important linguistic features.

Usage Examples

• "I checked the dictionary to find the meaning of the word 'ephemeral.'"
• "The digital dictionary app provides quick access to thousands of words."
• "Her dictionary of medical terms helped me understand the complex jargon."

Etymology

The word "dictionary" originates from the Latin word "dictio," meaning "a saying" or "a word." It comes from the verb "dicere," meaning "to speak" or "to say." The term evolved through Middle French as "dictionnaire" and entered English in the early 16th century, initially referring to a collection of words or phrases used in a particular language.

Synonyms

• Lexicon
• Thesaurus
• Wordbook
• Glossary
• Encyclopedia

Antonyms

• Silence
• Ignorance
• Confusion
• Uncertainty

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the word is pronounced with a clearer emphasis on the first syllable: /ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛri/.
• In British English, the pronunciation tends to feature a more rounded "o" sound in the second syllable: /ˈdɪkʃənɛri/.

Historical Usage

The concept of a dictionary has existed since ancient times, with the first known dictionaries dating back to Sumerian texts. The modern dictionary, as we know it today, became widely available in the 17th century, with Samuel Johnson's "A Dictionary of the English Language" (1755) being one of the most influential early works. The invention and widespread use of printing technology helped dictionaries to become more accessible to the public.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, dictionaries are viewed as authoritative sources of knowledge and are central to literacy education. Dictionaries often reflect the culture's values and history by including terms that are specific to its context. In some languages, dictionaries are comprehensive, containing not only definitions but also cultural notes, historical context, and detailed usage examples. Additionally, in some parts of the world, a dictionary may also serve as a record of a language's evolution, tracking the inclusion of new words over time.

More Information

Dictionaries are critical tools for understanding the structure of a language and expanding one's vocabulary. They serve as authoritative references for spelling, word meanings, grammatical rules, and pronunciation. There are different types of dictionaries, including monolingual (language-specific), bilingual (translations), specialized (focused on a specific field), and encyclopedic dictionaries. Modern dictionaries are often available in digital formats, allowing for easier access and more frequent updates. Online dictionaries, such as Oxford English Dictionary or Merriam-Webster, provide real-time data and examples, making them useful for academic and casual use alike.