Overview

Dictionaries provide an alphabetical listing of words with their definitions. Unabridged dictionaries contain the most entries. They provide extensive word histories and detailed definitions and are found mostly in libraries. College dictionaries contain fewer entries than unabridged dictionaries, but they are detailed enough to answer most questions. School dictionaries typically have the fewest entries and emphasize common words.

Dictionaries include proper spelling, definitions, and syllabication, or how a word is divided into syllables, for each entry. Some entries even include synonyms, homographs, cross-references, and usage. In the back of larger dictionaries, there are special sections that provide biographical information—lists of names of important people with brief details about their lives—and geographic information. There are CD-ROM versions of dictionaries, and you can even access dictionaries on the Internet.

A thesaurus is a special type of dictionary that is a collection of synonyms. You can use a thesaurus to find a more precise word for your writing. To use a Roget's Thesaurus, check the index and then refer to one of the broad categories by which the book is organized. A dictionary-style thesaurus organizes entries alphabetically.