Why do you need a dictionary

You can also use it with a bilingual dictionary to deepen your understanding. Again, you can buy a hard copy, download an app, or use a good online dictionary such as dictionary. These dictionaries also have learner versions, with simpler language. Learn the abbreviations used in the dictionary — there should be a list at the front or back of the book, or a link if it is online.

Try to guess meaning from context as much as you can, and then use your dictionary to confirm your guesses afterwards. For example, if you wait until you reach the end of a paragraph or page, or wait until your teacher has finished talking, you will have more information to help you understand and remember the word.

Guessing from context and talking with your peers are very important ways to develop your language skills. Dictionaries can help you appreciate how complex and nuanced English is, and they can help you appreciate how capable you are of understanding it — so enjoy the process!

Agents Login. Very good for Academic Learners who wish to improve their English skills. Yes, it is very well structured and informative not only for those who are planning to pursue a degree in UK, but also to parents and other students who have Thank you 06 Jul, Good Course 03 Jul, However, there are lots of different types of dictionaries, so which one should you use?

Look at the four different types of dictionary below. A bilingual dictionary is a dictionary that has the word you are looking for translated into your own language. A bilingual dictionary usually only has a small amount of information about the word you are looking for but it is easy to understand because it is written in your native language.

A monolingual dictionary is written only in English. A monolingual dictionary has lots of different information about every word in English. These dictionaries have lots of information about grammar and pronunciation. A monolingual dictionary can sometimes be confusing because it has multiple definitions for every word. A learner dictionary is similar to a monolingual dictionary because it is only in English and has lots of information about the word you are trying to find.

However, a learner dictionary is a little bit easier to use than a standard monolingual dictionary and has clear examples and simplified language. A subject-specific dictionary is similar to a monolingual dictionary but it does not contain the general meaning of words, only the definitions that are suitable for the specific subject. Subject-specific dictionaries are very useful when you need to find out how a word is used differently in your subject area but they can be quite difficult to use and might not contain the word you are looking for.

Look at the definition of generic in the four different types of dictionary, linked below:. First, check through all the meanings and find the one that makes most sense in the context where you found the word. Very often, many of the different meanings are similar and this should be enough to give you a good idea what the word means. Second, if you really want to make sure, think what the word is in your own language and look it up in a bilingual dictionary.

If one of the English translations is the original word you looked up, then you can be satisfied that you have found the right meaning. What can you do? If you are sure of the first few letters, just look down the page until you find the right spelling. Again, it is helpful to check the meaning is the one you expect. If you are not sure of the first few letters, try some other possibilities.

You know for example that some words that start with an -n sound have k as their first letter; e. So if you can't find the word under N , try looking in the K pages. When you look up a word in your own language in a bilingual dictionary, you will probably find that there is more than one English translation. If you are not sure which to use, you could try a back translation. Need : form. Need : use.

Semi-modal need and main verb need. Idioms I need hardly do sth. B2 [ S or U ] the state of having to have something that you do not have, especially something that you must have so that you can have a satisfactory life :. Are you in need of help? There's a growing need for cheap housing in the larger cities.

Housing and education are basic needs. They don't have enough food to meet their needs. B2 [ C or U ] a feeling or state of strongly wanting something:. I don't know about you but I'm in need of a drink.

You just hope that the money goes to those who are most in need. Help yourself to stationery as the need arises. I don't think there's any need for all of us to attend the meeting. B2 If there is no need to do something, it is not necessary or it is wrong :.

There's no need to buy more food - there's plenty in the fridge. I understand why she was angry , but there was no need to be so nasty to him. There's no need to yell! Just calm down.

There's a crying need for a better education system. The findings of this survey are demonstrative of the need for further research. There is a tremendous need for more low-cost housing. Will future oil supplies be adequate to meet world needs? It's not by any means a brilliant salary but it's adequate for our needs. You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics: Scarce, inadequate and not enough. Important and essential things. Feelings of desire. Too much and unnecessary.

To make pastry , you need flour , fat , and water. Do we need anything from the store? Will I be needed in the office tomorrow? I need you to advise me on what to wear. I need a rest. What you need is some hot soup to warm you up.