**National Dictionary Day: Dictionary Hunt** Use a print dictionary or Merriam-Webster to solve each prompt. Your goal is to practice *how to navigate and use* a dictionary entry (guide words, parts of speech, pronunciation, multiple meanings, and word parts). Answer using evidence from the entry when asked. You may work with a partner for reading support.
You may use a print dictionary or Merriam-Webster online.
For each prompt, use a dictionary entry to find the information requested.
If a question asks for evidence, copy the type of evidence (not the whole entry): e.g., “part of speech,” “guide words,” “pronunciation,” “syllable breaks,” “origin/etymology,” “usage note,” “example sentence,” “synonyms/antonyms.”
If a question asks for a word meaning in a sentence, choose the best-fit definition from the entry.
Work with a partner to read the entry aloud.
Use the audio pronunciation online when available.
Multilingual learners: you may use a bilingual dictionary for translation, but still answer using the English entry features above.
For any question, add a quick note about word origin (etymology) or a related word form (prefix/suffix) if you see it in the entry.
Put these words in the order you would find them in a dictionary (A–Z).
commit
common
company
comma
True or False: If a dictionary page’s guide words are migrate and mint, then the word minimum would appear on that page.
Which pair of guide words could contain the entry word photograph?
When you look up a word in a dictionary, which two features are most helpful for choosing the correct meaning for a specific sentence? (Select 2)
Match each dictionary abbreviation to what it tells you about the word.
| Draggable item | arrow_right_alt | Corresponding Item |
|---|---|---|
adj. | arrow_right_alt | noun |
adv. | arrow_right_alt | verb |
v. | arrow_right_alt | adjective |
n. | arrow_right_alt | adverb |
In the sentence below, which meaning of draft best fits?
“Before we submit the essay, we will revise the first draft.”
Look up the word predict. Write the prefix in the word (the beginning part that carries meaning).
Look up the word unhelpful. What does the prefix un- mean? (Write 1–2 words.)
Which item from a dictionary entry best helps you say the word correctly?
Choose one word you looked up today that has more than one definition.
In one paragraph or less, explain:
Which definition you chose for a sentence you wrote (or found), and
Two pieces of evidence from the entry that helped you decide (examples: part of speech, numbered definitions, example sentence, labels like formal/informal, usage note, synonyms/antonyms, etc.).
Optional challenge: Include one note about the word’s origin (etymology).