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The explanatory dictionary
Textbook: pp. 159–160
GoalKnow the concept of the explanatory dictionary and its structure.
New words
explanatory dictionary · izohli lug‘atheadword · bosh so‘zsense · ma’nofigurative sense · ko‘chma ma’no
Explanation
A dictionary that explains the meanings of words in detail is called an explanatory dictionary. In it, words are given in capital letters in alphabetical order. After the headword, its origin (for example, Arabic, Persian) is shown in square brackets, then its meanings are numbered 1., 2. and explained, and figurative senses are shown separately. For example: OLMA — 1. A round sweet fruit growing on a tree. 2. The fruit tree itself. Each sense of a polysemantic word is explained with a separate number. The explanatory dictionary also shows the style of usage.
Worked examples
Headword, origin, numbered senses — an entry of the explanatory dictionary.
A polysemantic word has senses 1., 2., 3.
Class activity
Find three words in the explanatory dictionary (or one in your school library) and count their senses.
Practice
1
How is a word’s origin shown in the explanatory dictionary?
In square brackets (for example, Arabic).
2
How are the senses of a polysemantic word marked?
With numbers 1., 2., 3.
3
How does the explanatory dictionary differ from the spelling dictionary?
It explains word meanings broadly.
4
Give two senses of «olma».
The fruit and the fruit tree.