Cool MateDictionary
UK /["/ˈdɪkʃənri/"]/US /["/ˈdɪkʃəneri/"]/
Definition
a book or electronic resource that gives a list of the words of a language in alphabetical order and explains what they mean, or gives a word for them in a foreign language
In simple words: A book or digital resource that lists words and their meanings.
Examples
- a Spanish-English dictionary
- a slang dictionary
- a dictionary of slang
- If you don't know the meaning of a word, look it up in the dictionary.
- I couldn't find the word in the dictionary.
- You need a dictionary to understand what he's saying half the time.
- a way of teaching children how to use dictionaries
- a dictionary of mathematics
- I decided to consult a medical dictionary.
Usage notes
Commonly used in both written and spoken English. It is appropriate to use in academic and casual contexts, but avoid using it in very informal settings where simpler terms can be used.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of a 'dict'ator who gives definitions; a 'dictionary' does the same!
Collocations
- good
- comprehensive
- unabridged
- check
- consult
- look something up in
- definition
- entry
- in a/the dictionary
- good
- comprehensive
- unabridged
- check
- consult
- look something up in
- definition
- entry
- in a/the dictionary
- good
- comprehensive
- unabridged
- check
- consult
- look something up in
- definition
- entry
- in a/the dictionary
Synonyms
- lexicon
- wordbook
- glossary
- vocabulary
- reference
Antonyms
- ignorance
- confusion
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'thesaurus' which lists synonyms instead of definitions.
- Using 'dictionary' as a verb instead of a noun.
- Not capitalizing 'Dictionary' when referring to a specific title.