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“Ain’t” ain’t a word because it ain’t in the dictionary … or is it? Actually, the often frowned upon contraction of “am not” was first coined in 1778, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Test your child’s (or maybe even your own) knowledge of the dictionary with these questions to see if you’re getting the most out of that familiar desk reference. 1. The dots or gaps that break up a word show: a) Spaces between the correct spelling of the phrase. b) Points at which to pause in saying the word out loud. c) Syllabification, or where the syllable breaks occur. 2. Backslashes surrounding funny-looking letters immediately following a word indicate: a) A misspelling. b) Where to find the word on the Internet. c) The phonetic spelling—a guide to pronunciation with a key at the bottom of the page. 3. Between the backslashes, small marks above a character indicate: a) A point in the word that is frequently misspelled. b) An accent or change to the standard pronunciation. c) A place where the printer ran out of right-side up e’s 4. A small italicized letter following the backslashes: a) Indicates the part of speech. b) Is something they forgot to include between the slashes. c) Is a guide letter to show where to find the word alphabetically. 5. Brackets containing a combination of capitalized abbreviations, foreign-looking words in italics, and hyphens or plus signs: a) Give a compact history of the word’s linguistic origins. b) Provide the mathematical formula for the word. c) Hold the key to discovering the Sorcerer’s Stone. 6. A number in parentheses after the brackets means: a) Copy the word this many times to learn it. b) This is the year of the first recorded use of the word. b) The number of times the word has been used to date. 7. More than one definition of a word may be provided: a) To confuse you. b) Because there is debate about the actual meaning. c) A word often has several meanings (more common usages tend to be listed first). 8. The word is rewritten at the end of the definition with various endings: a) To show its spelling when used as another part of speech. b) As an aid to poets who might need a rhyme. c) To demonstrate the unpredictability of the English language. 9. In some cases, “syn” is found at the end of an entry with a list of different words: a) As a warning to those who would stray from proper language. b) To provide a list of synonyms, or words with similar meanings. c) And is short for, “since you noticed,” which adds points for extra credit. 10. Pairs of words at the top of each page: a) Highlight the most unusual entries on that particular page. b) Tend to be words no one knows. c) Are guide words that show the alphabetical range of terms included on that page. Answers: 1. c 2. c 3. b 4. a 5. b 6. b 7. c 8. a 9. b 10. c Scoring: 9-10 Wordsmith nonpareil: Are you a professional lexicographer? 7-8 Waxing grandiloquent: Your knowledge of a dictionary’s contents will serve you well in scholarly peregrination. 5-6 Webster wannabe: Start using that hefty volume as more than just a bookend and look up words in context as you read. 1-4 Word weakling: More reps lifting your dictionary will greatly strengthen your vocabulary and language skills. By Emmet Rosenfeld |
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