1. Preface/Introduction: This section explains the dictionary's scope, purpose, and any special features it includes.
2. Guide to Pronunciation: This often includes a phonetic alphabet and explanations of how to pronounce words.
3. List of Abbreviations and Symbols: This defines any symbols or abbreviations used in the dictionary entries.
4. Entries: These are the core of the dictionary. Each entry typically includes:
* Headword: The word being defined.
* Pronunciation: How the word is pronounced.
* Part of Speech: The grammatical category of the word (noun, verb, etc.).
* Definitions: Explanations of the word's meaning.
* Example Sentences: Illustrations of how the word is used in context.
* Etymology: The origin and history of the word.
5. Appendices: Some dictionaries include extra sections like:
* List of Proper Nouns: People, places, and things with proper capitalization.
* Foreign Language Glossary: Translations of common words in other languages.
* List of Synonyms and Antonyms: Words with similar or opposite meanings.
* Biographical and Geographical Entries: Brief descriptions of important people and places.
6. Index: A list of all the words in the dictionary, usually in alphabetical order.
7. Illustrations: Some dictionaries include illustrations to help explain concepts or provide visual representations of words.
8. Cross-references: Pointers to other entries in the dictionary related to the word being defined.
It's important to remember that dictionaries can vary significantly in their organization and content. Some focus on specific fields or audiences, while others aim for a more general audience.