A dictionary is a reference book or digital resource that provides definitions, meanings, pronunciations, translations, and other information about words in a particular language. It typically includes the following features:
- Definitions: Explanations of what words mean.
- Pronunciations: Guides on how to correctly pronounce words, often using phonetic symbols.
- Etymology: Information on the origins and history of words.
- Usage Examples: Sentences or phrases that show how words are used in context.
- Translations: In bilingual or multilingual dictionaries, equivalent words or phrases in other languages.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Lists of words with similar or opposite meanings.
- Grammatical Information: Details on the part of speech, inflections, and other grammatical aspects of words.
Dictionaries are essential tools for learning and understanding languages, improving vocabulary, and ensuring accurate communication. They are used by students, writers, translators, and anyone seeking to expand their knowledge of a language.