Name: _______________
Period: _______________
Dictionary Practice
1. Syllables. Using the dictionary, divide these words into syllables. Write the word and then
show how it should be divided. Example: abduct  ab-duct
Antagonist
Cadet
Yokel
Fetus
Antique
Dagger
Effective
Hygienic
Brace
Virtue
Ginger
Judicious
Bossy
Coupon
Freckle
Marina
Pluggist
Dilute
Esophagus
Nullify
2. Guide Words. Pretend that the 10 pairs of words below are guide words. Using the
dictionary, find five words that would go between them on a dictionary page. Write the guide
words and your five words. Example: counsel-coupled  count, countdown, counter, country,
couple.
Amphibious-anchor
Direct-disbursed
Venous-versatile
Disunite-do
Gristle-grow
That-therefore
New-nicknaming
Knuckle-ladling
Wan-warpath
Strip-stubble
3. Word Meanings. Using the dictionary, look up the words below. After you understand what
each word means, write a sentence using the new word. Underline the new word.
Ebullient
Charlatan
Lucid
Asphyxiation
Condole
Orb
Belch
Deride
Belie
Escapade
4. Parts of Speech. Look up these words in the dictionary. Write each word on your paper, and
beside each put its part of speech: noun (n), verb (v), adjective (adj), or adverb (adv). Example:
motorcycle (n).
Gnat
Tightly
Murky
Static
Muscle
Professor
Go
Overeat
Tilth
Reverently
5. Language of Origin. Every word has its own history. For example, dinosaur came from two
Greek words meaning “terrible lizard.” Look up each word below in your dictionary and write
its history on your paper.
Hamburger
Elephant
Pajamas
Dynamite