Basic Definitions:
* Meaning: The dictionary's primary function is to define the word's meaning. This often includes multiple definitions, especially for words with different senses or contexts.
* Part of Speech: The dictionary identifies the word's grammatical category, such as noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc. This helps understand how the word functions in a sentence.
* Pronunciation: The dictionary usually provides phonetic transcriptions, using symbols to indicate how the word is pronounced.
* Etymology: Dictionaries often offer the word's origin and historical development, showing how the word came into the language.
Additional Information:
* Synonyms and Antonyms: Some dictionaries list words with similar or opposite meanings to the given word.
* Usage Examples: Dictionaries often provide sample sentences showing how the word is used in context.
* Related Terms: Dictionaries may list related words, such as compounds, idioms, or phrases that include the given word.
* Regional Variations: Dictionaries may indicate if the word is used primarily in certain regions or dialects.
* Figurative Language: Dictionaries might explain if the word has figurative meanings (metaphors, similes, etc.).
* Historical Usage: Some dictionaries track how a word's meaning has changed over time.
Beyond the Basic:
* Specialized Dictionaries: There are dictionaries for specific fields, like medical dictionaries, legal dictionaries, or dictionaries of slang. These provide more in-depth information about words related to their respective fields.
* Online Dictionaries: Digital dictionaries often offer features like audio pronunciations, image illustrations, and links to external resources for further exploration.
Ultimately, the information a dictionary provides about a word depends on the specific dictionary and its scope.