 Dictionaries contain a wealth of information. You can find out almost anything you might want to know about a word in a dictionary. Dictionaries may be either abridged or unabridged. An unabridged dictionary is one which has the most complete listing of words of any dictionary. An abridged one does not have a complete listing of words. Guide Words
Common Uses of the Dictionary
There are many types of dictionaries which you may find useful. Three main ones that you may use are Webster's dictionary, a biographical dictionary, and a geographical dictionary. Webster's Dictionary--This is the type of dictionary with which you are most familiar. It gives you the pronunciation, history, and meanings of words. It will give you the date the word was first used in the language and words in other languages from which the word developed. Something you may not know is that at the back of many dictionaries are other various reference sections which may explain abbreviations, give basic biographical information, discuss grammar rules, give geographical information, and even list colleges and universities. Biographical dictionary--This type of dictionary contains information on "noteworthy" people. It gives short descriptions of individuals, including birth/death information, who the person "was", and why he or she is important. The listings may--or may not--be as detailed as you might find in an encyclopedia but will provide the basics about someone when you don't have a clue as to who the person is. Geographical dictionary--A geographical dictionary provides information on countries, rivers, mountains, cities, oceans, and so forth. It is a good, quick reference in which to find basic information and will contain many geographical locations not included in an encyclopedia.
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