1. Phonetic Transcription: This is the most common method and uses the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which is a system of symbols that represent each sound in a language. The IPA transcription is usually enclosed in square brackets, like this: [ˈwɜːrd].
2. Respelled Pronunciation: Some dictionaries use a system of respelling the word using common English letters and symbols. This method is less precise than the IPA but can be easier to understand for those unfamiliar with the IPA. For example, the word "word" might be respelled as "wurd".
3. Syllabification: Many dictionaries also show the syllables of a word, often separated by dots or hyphens. This can help you understand the correct pronunciation and stress patterns. For example, "word" might be shown as "word" or "word".
4. Stress Markings: Dictionaries often use a stress mark (usually a small raised vertical line or accent) to indicate the syllable that receives the most emphasis when pronouncing the word. For example, "word" might be marked as "word" to indicate the first syllable is stressed.
5. Audio Pronunciation: Some dictionaries also offer audio recordings of the pronunciation of words. This is especially helpful for learning the pronunciation of unfamiliar words or words with complex or nuanced pronunciations.
Note: The specific conventions for pronunciation in a dictionary may vary depending on the particular dictionary and language. It's always good to check the introduction or "key to pronunciation" section of the dictionary to understand how it indicates pronunciation.