How Good is Reading Dictionary?

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User

Tuesday, 25 May 2010 08:46

Good morning Chninmoy and all users

I think dictionary is a reference book and not intended as a reading material as such. We use dictionary for reference when we come across some unknown word or or a word used in an unusual way.

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U

User

Tuesday, 25 May 2010 20:51

Reading a dictionary and studying at least 10 words a day will be very useful, I think.

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User

Tuesday, 25 May 2010 21:29

Yes.I agree with Abid. That's a good idea. But reading a dictionary like other books is definitely boring.

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User

Tuesday, 25 May 2010 22:05

@Gulshan

There were times in my student days when I found the exercise of going through it regularly very useful. In fact it helped me to venture into a few topics which I won't have.

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User

Tuesday, 25 May 2010 23:35

he Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary is undoubtedly the best English dictionary. My English has been improving more and more since I bought my Oxford. I'm completely, madly, deeply addicted to Oxford English Dictionary!

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User

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 06:23

Yes refering a dicionary is definitely the best way to improve English knowledge. Reading a dictionary only makes us forget the words and serves little purpose.

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User

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 08:24

yes . it would improve one's communication.

Communication: if you can study your audience well then you will be able to communicate properly... one has to be able to judge the comprehension levels of the person or group being addressed and accordingly decide how to communicate...

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U

User

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 21:06

@Shalu, I don't agree with you, reading dictionary won't make you forget words, but reading it for a few minutes everyday will further enrich your language!
I find it very useful and always keep it nearby> Also, it helps me a lot in helping my husband to find suitable titles for his paintings!

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User

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 22:04

It is absolutely correct to say that that the dictionary is the gateway to learn so many things.

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User

Thursday, 27 May 2010 10:55

Kalyani- Dictionary contains the entire vocabulary. There are many words not in common use. By reading dictionary directly, we may come across many such words which is not advisable to use. So, the best thing is to read newspapers, periodicals,watch TV and surf net. Dictionary should be appropriately used as a reference only. However, it may be a fun to read dictionary occasionally.

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U

User

Thursday, 27 May 2010 12:14

@Gulshan, you do have a point there that dictionary does contain words that are not being used or are not advisable to use! but the fact remains that media and other sources are not THE last word on the meaning and usage of a word! Of recent, it is common many words are being wrongly used and they are being accepted widely thought they are wrong!

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User

Thursday, 27 May 2010 13:39

Kalyani. This is right that media may use words wrongly. The dictionary gives right meaning. But dictionary is primarily for reference. When we find a new word or apparently, some word is apparently being misused, we may refer to dictionary. However, reading dictionary occasionally is a fun and may help.

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User

Thursday, 27 May 2010 19:39

Yes i too think referring dictionary is very useful but to my capcity i cannt byheart it or read it...even though it is useful. :unsure: :)

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User

Thursday, 27 May 2010 19:51

Dictionary reading is a great habit and will increase your vocabulary.

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User

Thursday, 27 May 2010 19:52

Another usefulness lies in the fact that one gets to learn new words while looking for the meaning of a word.

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User

Thursday, 27 May 2010 20:11

I use dictionary usually on going through English dailies and magazines.Most of them are tried to be remembered later.

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User

Thursday, 27 May 2010 20:15

@Abid,
It is a very good practice to access newspapers and magazines for new words and the contexts in which these are used.

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User

Friday, 28 May 2010 17:55

Chinmoy- When I look for meaning of a word, several other phrases and words are also found as meaning/ definition. Thus more words come in my vocabulary. Dictionary is really a fun even though this is primarily a reference book.

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U

User

Friday, 28 May 2010 20:02

Yes Gulshan,there lies its effectiveness.This way we can surely improve the richness of our vocabulary.

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User

Monday, 05 July 2010 12:28

reading dictionary. pick an alphabet - take 20 words a day... do not move on till you know what those words mean, how to pronounce them and use them in a sentence. mite take time... but you'll remember them for the rest of your life.

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