As a student who is learning English language, it is important that you understand how to use a dictionary. The English language has approximately 1 million words, of which an average speaker would be aware of about 60,000 words. You may be familiar with many words but would not know the exact meaning of them all. A dictionary is a handy tool that helps you improve your vocabulary day in and day out. Not only does it helps you deduce a word's meaning and spelling, but also helps you to effectively improve your English language.

Let us first look at the various information that you can find about a word in a dictionary.

• Spelling of the words and its plural form

• Syllables of a word

• Whether the word is capitalized or has an abbreviation

• The pronunciation of a word

• Different meanings a word has, its synonyms (same meaning) and antonyms (opposite meaning)

• History of the word

• An example of a sentence/expression showing the right usage of the word

• Prefixes and suffixes and their meanings

• Different words that can be derived from the main word



How to use a dictionary effectively?

You can improve your English fast, if you practice the habit of referring to a dictionary. Most of us refrain to carry a pocket dictionary as we consider it a time-consuming thing. However, if you know how to use a dictionary properly, it will take you less than a minute to find a word's meaning and refer the example. Let's look at the pointers that can help save your time.

Get yourself a quality dictionary – If you don't have a dictionary, make sure you buy a quality one like the Oxford dictionary.

Get familiar with its use – The user guidelines for each dictionary vary in approach. Therefore, the best way to go about it is to read the intro section and jot down how the details are arranged. Once you know the proper alphabetical order, you are well on your way to use the dictionary real fast.

For instance, if you're searching for a word "gnome", goes to the 'G' section and check the guide words, which are located in the upper corner of every page. These guide words are an indication on how close you are to finding your word. These guide words are real speed busters and must be checked to locate your word faster. Then, look for the second word 'n' to narrow down your search.

Got the word: Now, that you have found your word, what should you pay attention to?

• Definition of the word

• Different pronunciations – pay attention to the stress mark - ' - usually placed before a syllable to help you pronounce the word correctly.

• Capitalization

• Synonyms and antonyms

• Use of preposition, 'in', 'on' etc.,

• Phrases/idioms linked to the word

• Spellings in American, British and Australian English.

Improve your English speaking fluency by reading the word aloud from the dictionary, following the pronunciation guideline.

Hope this guide helps you to make proper use of your dictionary. Upgrade your English speaking skills while you have fun using a dictionary.

English is a curiously interesting language. A single word has numerous synonyms, each better than its peers, and it seems that people, especially amateur English speakers, have a penchant for using complicated sounding, big English words. Seems, the rule of the thumb is, the longer the word used, the better English one knows.

Wrong.

Using complicated sounding, big English words make you sound, if anything, absurd and a show-off. Learning big words sounds sophisticated, and you think that it makes you appear well read and fluent.

Wrong again.

For someone who is still learning the basics of the language, speaking long words does not come naturally. Especially, when you do not speak English as a first language. Knowing a big word and being able to speak it clearly, are two different aspects. And what good is speaking a good word when it will not make you appear as a confident speaker!

If you speak a word like, say 'Panache', and make it sound something 'pancake', it will give away that you are using it deliberately, without even knowing what it means! Wouldn't it be better to use words like 'flair' or 'style', which mean the same thing but are way easier to use?

At this point, one would question, what is the point of having heavier and finer words when one should not use it?

Your point is valid. What one should keep in mind is English is used in various forms – written and spoken. Not just that, English can be formal, casual, or colloquial. Based on the situation and how it is being used, one should choose and select his/ her words.

This simple example should explain this phenomenon perfectly. If you are speaking to a close friend, you can use the word 'buddy' nonchalantly! However, if your friend is visiting your workplace and you need to ask your boss for a 10-minute leave, you can definitely not say that your 'buddy is here'. You will have to use the word 'friend'. Therefore, that is why one needs to use different words depending upon the situation.

Let us look at an example of why simpler words are such lifesavers!

• I am fed-up of your shenanigans! When will you mend your ways! Now, how many of you understood what 'shenanigans' means? Pat yourself on the back if you did; and for those who did not understand, this should make it clear – I am fed up of your tantrums! When will you mend your ways! Isn't that much easier to understand. Now, if you were writing an article or a short story, the word 'shenanigan' would be amazing to use, as far as it is in the context. However, it does not have the same effect when spoken aloud.

If you wish to study English the right way, you should join an online spoken English class like eAgeTutor, where you can get hands on training in not only spoken English, but also about writing and reading English. English is such a requisite in today's world, online spoken English is the best option for beginners.