Dictionary and Thesaurus Skills — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The first guide word on a dictionary page matches the first entry on that page.
The first guide word always matches the very first entry on the page, which tells you the earliest word alphabetically that appears there.
2. If the guide words are "flame" and "flip," the word "flat" would appear on that page.
"Flat" comes alphabetically after "flame" and before "flip" (fla- falls between fla- and fli-), so it would be found on that page.
3. Dictionary entries for the same root word are grouped under one entry word.
All forms of a root word (like "run," "running," "ran") appear under a single entry word so you can find them in one place.
4. The abbreviation "adj." in a dictionary tells you the word is an adjective .
The abbreviation "adj." stands for adjective, which means the word describes a noun (for example, "tall" in "a tall building").
5. Some entries include an example that shows how to use the word in a sentence.
An example sentence in a dictionary entry shows the word being used in a real context, which helps you understand its meaning beyond the definition alone.
6. A word's origin tells you whether it came from Latin, Greek, or another language.
A word's origin (also called etymology) reveals which language it came from, such as Latin or Greek, and often explains why the word is spelled or used the way it is.
7. Words that appear between the two guide words are listed in alphabetical order.
Every word between the two guide words follows alphabetical order (A to Z), which is how dictionaries organize all their entries so readers can find words quickly.
8. A small number after a word, like "bear²," shows it is the second entry for that spelling.
The small raised number tells you this is the second entry for that spelling, because "bear" (the animal) and "bear" (to carry) are different words that happen to look the same.
9. The plural form of a noun is often listed right after the part of speech label.
Dictionaries place the plural form right after the part of speech label (n.) so you can quickly see how to spell the plural, like "child" becoming "children."
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each dictionary feature to what it tells you.
Syllable dots
→ How to divide the word when writing
Which meaning is being described
Example sentence
→ How the word is used in context
How to divide the word when writing
Etymology bracket
→ What language the word came from
How the word is used in context
Definition number
→ Which meaning is being described
What language the word came from
Correct matches: Syllable dots → How to divide the word when writing; Example sentence → How the word is used in context; Etymology bracket → What language the word came from; Definition number → Which meaning is being described.