Here's how dictionaries differentiate words:
1. Alphabetical Order: This is the most fundamental way. Words are arranged alphabetically, making it easy to locate a specific word.
2. Part of Speech: Dictionaries typically indicate the part of speech a word belongs to (noun, verb, adjective, etc.). This helps you understand how the word is used in a sentence.
3. Definitions: Each word has one or more definitions explaining its meaning. Dictionaries might provide different meanings for the same word based on its context or part of speech.
4. Etymology: Some dictionaries include the word's origin and historical development, tracing its roots back to earlier languages.
5. Pronunciation: Dictionaries often provide phonetic spellings to guide pronunciation.
6. Usage Examples: To illustrate a word's meaning and usage, dictionaries might include example sentences or phrases.
7. Synonyms and Antonyms: Many dictionaries offer lists of synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) for each entry.
8. Regional Variations: Dictionaries might note regional variations in spelling, pronunciation, or meaning.
9. Specialized Entries: Some dictionaries focus on specific fields like medicine, law, or science, providing specialized definitions and terminology.
10. Idioms and Phrases: Dictionaries may include entries for common idioms and phrases, explaining their meaning and usage.
In summary, dictionaries differentiate words by providing their definitions, parts of speech, pronunciations, etymology, usage examples, synonyms, antonyms, and other relevant information, all presented in an organized format, often alphabetical, for easy access.