Origin: Latin suffix -ary
Dictionary has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
"I pulled out my dictionary to check the pronunciation guide for that difficult word in the text."
A reference work with a list of words from one or more languages, normally ordered alphabetically, explaining each word's meaning, and sometimes containing information on its etymology, pronunciation, usage, translations, and other data.
"I consulted the dictionary to check the etymology of that obscure term before including it in my essay."
In plain English: A dictionary is a book that lists words and gives their meanings, spellings, and how to pronounce them.
"I kept my favorite word definitions in my pocket dictionary for easy reference."
Usage: Use "dictionary" to refer specifically to a book or digital resource that lists words alphabetically with their definitions and pronunciations. Do not use it to describe a person who knows many words, as that is the meaning of "lexicographer."
To look up in a dictionary.
"She spent all afternoon looking up obscure words in her pocket dictionary while reading the novel."
In plain English: To look up a word in a dictionary to find its meaning.
"He decided to dictionary his vocabulary by looking up every new word he encountered in the book."
Usage: Avoid using "dictionary" as a verb; instead, use the phrase "look up in a dictionary." The word functions only as a noun to describe the book or digital file containing definitions.
Nickname for a swot or studious person, or one who uses needlessly complicated words.
"My teacher called me a dictionary because I always tried to explain simple concepts with overly complex vocabulary."
The word "dictionary" comes from the Medieval Latin dictiōnārium, which originally meant a collection or room for words. It entered English through Middle English as a learned borrowing related to the act of speaking.