Dictionary and Glossary Skills
Grade 3 · English · Study Guide
Learn how to use a dictionary and glossary to find word meanings and information.
A dictionary and a glossary are both reference tools that help you understand words, but they are used in different ways.
A dictionary contains thousands of words listed in alphabetical order. Each entry includes the word, how to say it (pronunciation), the part of speech (noun, verb, adjective), and one or more definitions. Dictionaries also show example sentences and sometimes the history of the word.
A glossary is found at the back of a nonfiction book or textbook. It only includes important words from that specific book. Like a dictionary, glossary words are listed in alphabetical order with their definitions, but the definitions are written to match how the word is used in that book.
To find a word in a dictionary, use guide words — the two words printed at the top of each page. The left guide word is the first word on the page, and the right guide word is the last word on the page. If your word falls alphabetically between them, your word is on that page.
Knowing how to use these tools helps you become a stronger reader and writer. When you come across an unfamiliar word, checking the dictionary or glossary helps you understand what you are reading.
Key terms
- dictionary
- A reference book that lists words alphabetically with their pronunciations, parts of speech, and definitions
- glossary
- A list of important words and their definitions found at the back of a nonfiction book
- guide words
- The two words at the top of a dictionary page showing the first and last entries on that page
- alphabetical order
- An arrangement of words in the order of the letters of the alphabet, from A to Z
- definition
- The meaning of a word as explained in a dictionary or glossary
- pronunciation
- A guide showing how to say a word correctly, often shown with special symbols
Flashcards
- Dictionary
- A reference book with words listed alphabetically, including definitions and pronunciation
- Glossary
- A mini-dictionary at the back of a book with definitions for important words used in that book
- Guide words
- Words at the top of a dictionary page; the first word and last word on that page
- Alphabetical order
- Words arranged from A to Z based on their first (and following) letters
- Definition
- The explanation of what a word means
- Entry word
- The word being defined; listed in bold at the start of a dictionary entry
- Part of speech
- The category of a word such as noun, verb, or adjective, shown in a dictionary
- Pronunciation key
- Symbols in a dictionary that show how to say a word aloud correctly
Questions
Where would you look to find the meaning of a word used in your science textbook?
- The table of contents
- The index
- The glossary
- The title page
Show answer
Answer: The glossary
A glossary is found at the back of a nonfiction or textbook and defines the important words used in that specific book.
Guide words help you find a word faster in the dictionary by showing which words are on that page.
Show answer
Answer: True
Guide words show the first and last entry on each page. If your word falls between them alphabetically, it is on that page.
In a dictionary, words are listed in ________ order.
Show answer
Answer: alphabetical
Dictionaries and glossaries both list words in alphabetical order, from A to Z, so you can find words quickly.
The guide words on a dictionary page are 'ladder' and 'lamp.' Which word would be found on this page?
- lake
- lace
- land
- lazy
Show answer
Answer: land
'Land' comes alphabetically after 'ladder' and before 'lamp,' so it falls between the guide words and would be on that page.
A glossary contains every word in the English language.
Show answer
Answer: False
A glossary only includes important words from a specific book. A full dictionary contains thousands of words from the language.
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