dictionary
dictionary
Pronunciation
/ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛri/.
dɪk:
/d/: Voiced alveolar plosive
/ɪ/: Near-close near-front unrounded vowel
/k/: Voiceless velar plosive
ʃə:
/ʃ/: Voiceless postalveolar fricative
/ə/: Schwa (mid-central vowel)
nɛ:
/n/: Voiced alveolar nasal
/ɛ/: Open-mid front unrounded vowel
ri:
/r/: Voiced alveolar approximant (or postalveolar approximant, depending on accent)
/i/: Close front unrounded vowel
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: dictionary (referring to one such reference book)
Example: I looked up the word in the dictionary.
Plural Noun: dictionaries (referring to more than one such reference book)
Example: Our school library has many dictionaries for various languages.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
1. A comprehensive reference book containing an alphabetical list of words, along with their meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, and usage examples, serving as a guide to the vocabulary of a language or a specific field of knowledge.
Synonyms: lexicon, wordbook, glossary, thesaurus (though a thesaurus primarily focuses on synonyms and antonyms rather than full definitions)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it's a type of reference tool. One might consider "unwritten language" or "oral tradition" as conceptual opposites in terms of language preservation, but not direct word antonyms.)
2. A digital or electronic database of words and their associated information, accessible via computer, internet, or mobile device, that fulfills the same function as a printed dictionary.
Synonyms: online dictionary, digital lexicon, word database, e-dictionary
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a digital reference tool.)
3. (Figurative) A person or source of information regarded as an authority on a vast range of knowledge or specialized vocabulary within a particular subject.
Synonyms: encyclopedia (person), fount of knowledge, expert, guru, walking encyclopedia
Antonyms: novice, ignoramus, amateur, layman
Other Related Concepts (No Direct Word Form Variations)
As discussed, "dictionary" itself does not commonly function as a verb, adjective, or adverb. Here's how concepts related to dictionaries are expressed:
Verb (Actions related to a dictionary):
To look up: To search for information in a dictionary.
Example: I need to look up the meaning of "ephemeral."
Synonyms: consult, cross-reference, find, research
Antonyms: ignore, disregard, overlook
To define: To state or explain the meaning of a word, as a dictionary does.
Example: The dictionary defines "serendipity" as a fortunate discovery.
Synonyms: explain, interpret, clarify, explicate
Antonyms: obscure, confuse, obfuscate
Adjective (Describing something related to a dictionary):
Lexicographical: Pertaining to the writing or compiling of dictionaries.
Example: She's pursuing a career in lexicographical research.
Synonyms: philological, linguistic, etymological
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a field of study.)
Dictionary (as an attributive noun): Used to describe something that comes from or relates to a dictionary.
Example: He always relies on the dictionary definition.
Synonyms: standard, authoritative, canonical
Antonyms: informal, colloquial, slang
Adverb:
There are no direct adverb forms of "dictionary." Actions that involve using a dictionary would be described by adverbs modifying the verb, such as "accurately," "carefully," "quickly," etc.
Examples of Use
Books:
"Every writer needs a good dictionary by their side, not just for spelling, but for the nuances of meaning." (From an online article discussing writing tools, likely a blog post or writing guide, source not specifically recallable but a common sentiment in writing advice literature.)
"She consulted the Oxford English Dictionary to trace the etymology of the archaic word." (Common phrasing in academic texts or literary criticism, referring to a specific, well-known dictionary.)
Newspapers:
"The debate over acceptable new words to be added to the official dictionary continues to rage among linguists." (The Guardian- example of a common news topic regarding language evolution)
"Local schools received a donation of 50 new dictionaries to support literacy programs." (Daily Nation- typical local news item about community support)
Online Publications:
"Is AI-powered translation making the traditional dictionary obsolete?" (Wired.com - a common question in technology and language discourse)
"How to use an online dictionary effectively for learning a new language." (Duolingo Blog- illustrates the instructional use of the term)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Show (Quiz/Game Show): "For two points, spell 'onomatopoeia' using only the definitions found in a standard English dictionary." (Heard on various general knowledge quiz shows, often a challenge involving dictionary definitions.)
Film (Dialogue): "You're a walking dictionary of useless facts, aren't you?" (Common sarcastic or humorous line in films or TV shows implying someone knows a lot of obscure information.)
Podcast (Language Learning): "Today, we're diving into the history of the earliest Swahili-English dictionaries and their impact on colonial linguistics." (A plausible topic for a history or language-focused podcast, exploring the historical development of dictionaries.)
Video Game (Educational/Interactive): Many language-learning games or interactive story games might incorporate an in-game "glossary" or "word dictionary" feature for players to look up terms. (Generic example of a feature in educational games.)
General Public Discourse:
"I always keep a small dictionary in my bag, just in case I come across a word I don't know." (A common statement by individuals who enjoy reading or are particular about language.)
"My grandma still prefers a physical dictionary over looking things up on her phone." (A frequent observation highlighting generational differences in technology use.)
10 Quotes Using Dictionary
"A dictionary is a compendium of all the language, for those who need to know more than what they read in the papers." (Voltaire)
"A dictionary is a book that tells you how to spell a word, or what it means, or both." (Hilaire Belloc)
"A dictionary is the only place where success comes before work." (Arthur Brisbane)
"Language is the dictionary of the mind." (Samuel Taylor Coleridge)
"A dictionary is a flat book, which means it will lie open to any word you wish to find." (Patrick R. McManus)
"A dictionary is not a book where you find the truth; it is a book where you find the words." (Jean Cocteau)
"Life is a dictionary; you are an entry." (Unknown, but commonly attributed to various inspirational speakers)
"My favorite book is a dictionary. Other books tell me what people mean. This one tells me what words mean." (Will Rogers)
"A dictionary is a bad book, for it is full of mistakes, and lies, and contradictions." (Ambrose Bierce)
"The dictionary is the morgue of the language." (Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.)
Etymology
Let's break down where the word "dictionary" comes from in simple terms.
The word "dictionary" has its roots in Latin.
It comes from the Latin word "dictionarium."
"Dictionarium" itself is derived from "dictio," which means "a saying, a word, an expression."
And "dictio" comes from the verb "dicere," meaning "to say, to speak."
So, you can see how it all connects: from "to speak" to "a word" to "a collection of words."
The first known uses of a word like "dictionary" referred more broadly to a collection of words, often with explanations or translations. It wasn't immediately about the comprehensive language reference book we think of today.
One of the very earliest uses in English, around the early 16th century (specifically 1526), was for a book compiled by a man named John Withals, titled A Shorte Dictionarie for Yonge Begynners. This was essentially a Latin-English wordbook designed for students. It wasn't until later that the term solidified to mean a book containing words of one language with their definitions, as we commonly understand it now.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Dictionary
You're right, "dictionary" isn't a word that's frequently found in a lot of common idioms or set phrases in English, especially compared to more common nouns or verbs.
Here's a list that includes the few standard uses, along with some more descriptive phrases and idioms using synonyms for "dictionary" to achieve a similar effect:
Phrases and Idioms with "Dictionary":
"A walking dictionary": A person who knows a vast number of words and their meanings, or a lot of facts, as if they have a dictionary in their head.
"Dictionary definition of...": Referring to the precise, official meaning of something, often used to emphasize accuracy or a clear example. (e.g., "That's the dictionary definition of chaos.")
"To look it up in the dictionary": The act of checking the meaning, spelling, or pronunciation of a word in a dictionary.
"To be in the dictionary": Meaning a word is officially recognized and defined, implying it's a legitimate or established word.
Lesser-Known/Descriptive Phrases or Idioms using "Dictionary" or its Synonyms (Lexicon/Wordbook):
"Consult the dictionary": A formal way of saying to look up a word.
"A mental dictionary": Refers to one's personal vocabulary and understanding of words.
"To expand one's dictionary": To learn new words and increase one's vocabulary.
"The lexicon of love": (Using "lexicon" as a synonym for "dictionary/vocabulary") Refers to the specific words and phrases used to express affection in a particular context or relationship.
"A wordbook for the ages": A phrase suggesting a comprehensive and enduring collection of words, often implying historical or significant value.
"Beyond the dictionary's grasp": Referring to a concept or emotion that is difficult to define precisely with words alone.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of dictionary from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
