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how to use a dictionary

How to Use a Dictionary

Dictionaries are overflowing with interesting information! Here's how to get the most out of your dictionary.

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play how to use a dictionary
How to Use a Dictionary

 

The best way to find information in the dictionary

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Fun, Funner, Funnest

 

Why does it sound strange to say 'funner' or 'funnest?'

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A Look at Uncommon Onomatopoeia

 

Some imitative words are more surprising than others

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'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?

 

We're gonna stop you right there

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Lay vs. Lie

 

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

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Why Did Yankee Doodle Call a Feather 'Macaroni'?

 

What's with his feathered cap?

play hot mess
Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

Games & Quizzes

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Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
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