Dictionary and Thesaurus Skills — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The small symbols next to a dictionary word that show how to say it are the pronunciation key.
Pronunciation symbols (often shown between slashes) guide readers on how to correctly say a word.
2. A schwa sound, shown as an upside-down e, represents an unstressed vowel sound.
The schwa (ə) is the most common vowel sound in English and appears in many unstressed syllables.
3. The accent mark in a pronunciation tells you which syllable to stress.
An accent or stress mark indicates which syllable should receive the most emphasis when speaking.
4. When a word has more than one definition, they are listed with numbers .
Multiple definitions are numbered (1, 2, 3...) so readers can identify which meaning applies to their context.
5. The abbreviation "n." in a dictionary entry means the word is a noun .
Part-of-speech abbreviations like "n." (noun), "v." (verb), and "adj." (adjective) appear in dictionary entries.
6. The abbreviation "v." tells you the word can be used as a verb .
"v." is the standard dictionary abbreviation for verb, indicating the word describes an action or state.
7. To choose the correct definition, read the example sentence for context.
Example sentences in dictionary entries show the word used in context, helping readers select the correct definition.
8. A word with many meanings is called a multiple-meaning word.
Multiple-meaning words have two or more distinct definitions listed separately in dictionary entries.
9. The respelling of a word between slashes or brackets shows its pronunciation .
Dictionary entries include a phonetic respelling (usually in slashes) showing how to pronounce the word.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Guide words
→ Two words at the top of a dictionary page
Symbols showing how to say a word
Entry word
→ The word being defined in bold print
The word being defined in bold print
Part of speech
→ Label such as noun, verb, or adjective
Label such as noun, verb, or adjective
Pronunciation key
→ Symbols showing how to say a word
Two words at the top of a dictionary page
Guide words → top of page; Entry word → bold defined word; Part of speech → grammatical label; Pronunciation key → phonetic symbols.