Use Dictionaries and Thesauruses

Use print/digital reference information to find pronunciation, precise meaning, and appropriate alternate word choices.

How the lesson starts: Use Dictionaries and Thesauruses

Meera's dictionary
Most dragons hoard gold. Meera the dragon hoards words! Her favorite treasure is a giant dictionary. Many words have more than one meaning, and Meera knows how to pick the right one.
Reading an entry
Here's Meera's entry for current. It lists numbered meanings, each with its part of speech. Meaning 1, happening now. Meaning 2, a flow of water or air. Meaning 3, a flow of electricity.
Let's test each one
The strong current pulled the raft toward the bridge. Test each meaning. Happening now? That can't pull a raft. Electricity? There are no wires. A flow of water pulls a raft. Watch out: meaning 1 isn't right just because it's first!