What are entry words in a dictionary?

📚 What are Entry Words in a Dictionary?

Entry words, also known as headwords or main entries, are the words listed alphabetically in a dictionary. They represent the terms that are defined and explained within the dictionary. Think of them as the dictionary's table of contents, guiding you to the information you need.

📜 History and Background

The concept of entry words has evolved alongside the development of dictionaries themselves. Early dictionaries often focused on defining difficult or unusual words. As lexicography advanced, the scope broadened to include a wider range of vocabulary, and the systematic listing of entry words became crucial for organization and ease of use. From Samuel Johnson's dictionary to the Oxford English Dictionary, entry words have served as the backbone of these essential reference tools.

🔑 Key Principles of Entry Words

• 🔤 Alphabetical Order: Dictionaries arrange entry words in strict alphabetical order. This allows for quick and efficient searching.
• 📌 Basic Form: Entry words are typically presented in their simplest or most common form. For nouns, this is usually the singular form; for verbs, the infinitive form; and for adjectives, the positive form.
• ✒️ Spelling: Dictionaries establish a standard spelling for each entry word. This is important for consistency, especially when variant spellings exist.
• 🗣️ Pronunciation: Many dictionaries provide a phonetic transcription of each entry word to aid in pronunciation.
• 🔢 Part of Speech: Dictionaries indicate the part of speech for each entry word (e.g., noun, verb, adjective, adverb).
• 📖 Definitions: The primary purpose of an entry word is to introduce the definition(s) of the word.
• 🌍 Etymology: Dictionaries often include the etymology (origin and historical development) of entry words.

✍️ Real-World Examples

Let's look at some examples to solidify our understanding:

• Example 1: The entry word "cat" will include information about its part of speech (noun), its definition (a small domesticated carnivorous mammal...), its pronunciation (/kæt/), and possibly its etymology.
• Example 2: The entry word "run" will include information about its part of speech (verb), its various definitions (to move at a speed faster than a walk...), its principal parts (run, ran, run), and examples of its usage.
• Example 3: Consider finding the word “running.” In the dictionary, you would look up the entry word “run” to find information about all its forms.

💡 Conclusion

Entry words are fundamental to the structure and functionality of dictionaries. They act as access points to the wealth of information contained within, enabling users to quickly locate definitions, pronunciations, and other relevant details about a given word. Understanding the principles governing entry words can significantly enhance your dictionary skills.