Dictionaries are the most important source of learning any language. They are used not only by learners, but also by the native speaker of a language to make sure of their accurate speaking.
However due to the vast usability of Google, some people google a word in order to find the meaning of it, in fact dictionaries are the main and the most reliable source for this goal.
There are different kinds of dictionaries:
Online / printed dictionaries
As newspapers are left behind and mostly people follow websites or TV news to be aware of what is happening in the world, online dictionaries or apps are taking printed dictionaries place.
Using online dictionaries is easier and faster, you do not need to turn the pages one by one until you find the word you were searching for. They are also free of cost. In addition you can compare the definition of a word in different dictionaries, and gain more information on and samples of it.
Dictionaries are of different kinds in terms of their functions.
American / British dictionaries
First of all you need to know there are American dictionaries –which the definition and pronunciation of Americans is written in them- and British dictionaries –with pronunciation and definition of British people.
General / specialized dictionaries
There are also general dictionaries and specialized dictionaries.
General dictionaries are those containing words used by ordinary people, while specialized dictionaries are used only for a particular purpose e.g. legal dictionary, agricultural dictionary, chemical dictionary, etc.
General / language learners’ dictionaries
In this classification, general is meant to be a dictionary written for native people. For example an English teacher who is teaching English may use a general dictionary in order to translate poems, or even an ordinary person can use a general dictionary to speak more accurate or to write a literal letter, etc.
There is another type of dictionary which is language learners’ dictionary. In this kind of dictionary, words are defined in a simple way so that foreign people who are learning a language can use it. These kinds of dictionaries usually are leveled, for example elementary learner’s dictionary, advanced learners’ dictionary, etc.
Monolingual / bilingual / multilingual dictionaries
In a bilingual dictionary, the word is written in the target language while the definition is written in learner’s native language.
On the other hand, there are monolingual dictionaries in which the word and the definition are both written in a same language.
You may be surprised but there are some dictionaries in three languages like Italian-Spanish-French keywords.
Other types of dictionaries
There are also other types of dictionaries such as:
Name dictionaries
In which you can find pronunciation and the definition of names.
Urban dictionaries
In which you can find the definition of slangs and words rooted in the target language culture.
Thesaurus dictionaries
In this kind of dictionaries, words with the same meaning are written in a group and compared with each other. For example if you want to know what the difference between type, kind, and sort is, you can refer to a thesaurus dictionary.
Picture dictionary
In picture dictionaries, the meaning of words are shown by pictures. This kind of dictionary is more suitable for kids or low level learners whose vocabulary knowledge is limited, e.g. pdictionary.com. Elementary learners’ dictionaries also may have pictures for some words.
Rhyme dictionary
As the word “rhyme” suggests, when you type a word in this type of dictionary, a list of rhymes for the entered word will be appeared, e.g. rhymer dictionary.
Collocations’ dictionary
This kind of dictionary is useful for advanced or pre-advance learners and those who are to compete in an IELTS, TOEFL, or etc. exams.
In every language there are some fixed phrases a native speaker use, meaning if you use some words together it will sound natural. You can use a collocations’ dictionary for your writings as well as your speaking.
Oxford dictionary has a section for collocations: oxford collocations dictionary
Idiom dictionary
There are other type of phrases which comes together, but the meaning of phrase differs from a word for word translation of the whole phrase. This kind of phrases are called “idiom”.
Now the question is, how you should know the meaning of such phrases? In case you could not understand the meaning of a sentence, there is a possibility that there is an idiom in the sentence. Use idiom dictionaries to find out.
The free dictionary is a kind of online idiom dictionaries.
Proverb dictionary
These dictionaries contain the meaning of proverbs of the target language. Oxford dictionaries have a Proverb dictionary, too. However it is not free.
Here are some questions and answers about “Different Types of Dictionaries”:
1. What are different types of dictionaries?
Answer:
Different types of dictionaries include:
- Monolingual dictionaries: Contain words and definitions in the same language (e.g., an English dictionary defines English words).
- Bilingual dictionaries: Provide translations between two languages (e.g., an English-Spanish dictionary).
- Thesauruses: List synonyms and antonyms for words, helping to expand vocabulary and improve writing.
- Specialized dictionaries: Focus on specific fields like law, medicine, or technology, offering definitions related to that area.
- Etymological dictionaries: Provide the history and origin of words, tracing their linguistic evolution.
- Pronouncing dictionaries: Focus on the pronunciation of words, often providing phonetic transcriptions.
- Visual dictionaries: Use images to explain the meaning of words, useful for learning new vocabulary or for subjects like anatomy or machinery.
- Slang dictionaries: Focus on informal, colloquial language and regional expressions.
2. What is a monolingual dictionary?
Answer:
A monolingual dictionary is a type of dictionary that provides definitions of words using the same language. For example, an English monolingual dictionary will define words in English, explaining their meanings, usage, and grammatical properties. This type of dictionary is often used for language learners to understand a word’s meaning in the target language.
3. What is the purpose of a bilingual dictionary?
Answer:
A bilingual dictionary is designed to translate words from one language into another. It is useful for learners or translators who need to find the equivalent of a word in a different language. For example, a French-English dictionary will list French words and provide their English translations, making it easier to understand and translate between the two languages.
4. How does a thesaurus differ from a dictionary?
Answer:
A thesaurus is not focused on providing definitions but instead lists synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) for a given word. While a dictionary offers detailed explanations of a word’s meaning, usage, and context, a thesaurus helps users find alternative words to improve writing, avoid repetition, and expand vocabulary.
5. What is a specialized dictionary?
Answer:
A specialized dictionary focuses on a particular field or subject area, such as law, medicine, engineering, or technology. These dictionaries contain terminology specific to that field, providing definitions and explanations tailored to professionals or students in those disciplines. For example, a medical dictionary will define terms related to health, anatomy, and medical practices, whereas a legal dictionary will focus on legal jargon and concepts.
6. What is an etymological dictionary?
Answer:
An etymological dictionary traces the history of words, providing information about their origins, how they have evolved, and their connections to other languages. These dictionaries explain the root words and the changes in meaning or form over time, helping users understand how words have developed and how they are related to other words in different languages.
7. What is a pronouncing dictionary?
Answer:
A pronouncing dictionary provides information about the pronunciation of words, often using phonetic symbols or International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to show how words are pronounced. It is especially helpful for language learners who want to learn the correct pronunciation of words, or for people learning a second language who are unfamiliar with phonetic symbols or sounds.
8. How is a visual dictionary different from a traditional dictionary?
Answer:
A visual dictionary uses images, illustrations, or diagrams alongside definitions to explain the meanings of words. It is particularly useful for learning new vocabulary in subjects like anatomy, geography, and technology, where visuals can clarify the concept more effectively than words alone. For example, a visual dictionary of the human body will include labeled diagrams of body parts along with the definitions of terms.
9. What is the function of a slang dictionary?
Answer:
A slang dictionary focuses on informal, non-standard, and often colloquial language used in everyday speech. It provides definitions and explanations for slang words or expressions that might not be found in standard dictionaries. Slang dictionaries are helpful for understanding regional expressions, modern language trends, and culturally specific terms that are not commonly used in formal settings.
10. When should you use a bilingual dictionary instead of a monolingual dictionary?
Answer:
A bilingual dictionary is most useful when you need to translate a word from one language to another, especially if you are a beginner or intermediate learner of a foreign language. It helps you quickly find the meaning of words and understand their equivalent in your native language. In contrast, a monolingual dictionary is better suited for advanced learners who want to deepen their understanding of a language and focus on definitions, usage, and context in the target language.
11. What is a learner’s dictionary?
Answer:
A learner’s dictionary is designed for people who are learning a language, often at an intermediate or beginner level. It provides simplified definitions, examples of word usage, and phonetic transcriptions to help learners understand and use words effectively. Learner’s dictionaries also avoid complex language and provide explanations that are easy to understand for non-native speakers.
12. Why is it important to choose the right type of dictionary?
Answer:
Choosing the right type of dictionary is important because different dictionaries are designed for different purposes. Using the wrong type can lead to misunderstandings, especially when you are trying to find precise meanings, translations, or pronunciations. For example, using a thesaurus when you need a definition or using a slang dictionary when you are looking for a formal term may not yield the most accurate results.
13. Can you use a dictionary for academic writing?
Answer:
Yes, dictionaries are essential tools for academic writing. They help ensure accurate spelling, grammar, and usage of words. Academic writers often rely on standard dictionaries for definitions and proper word choice, while also using specialized dictionaries when discussing technical or field-specific terms. A thesaurus can also help vary word choices and avoid repetition in academic texts.
14. What is a bilingual dictionary used for in translation?
Answer:
A bilingual dictionary is a crucial tool in translation as it helps translators find equivalent words or phrases in two languages. It serves as a reference to ensure accuracy and consistency in the translation process. However, bilingual dictionaries are often supplemented by context-based understanding, as direct word-for-word translations may not always convey the intended meaning.
15. How does a specialized dictionary improve accuracy in technical writing?
Answer:
A specialized dictionary enhances accuracy in technical writing by providing precise definitions of terms specific to fields such as medicine, engineering, law, or science. It ensures that technical language is used correctly and consistently, avoiding ambiguity or misinterpretation. For instance, a medical dictionary helps writers understand complex medical terminology, ensuring that the content is accurate and aligned with the latest scientific understanding.
These questions and answers provide a broad overview of the different types of dictionaries and their specific uses in various fields and contexts.
