SHARPEN YOUR VOCABULARY

A dictionary, whether a hard copy or an electronic version usually contains the

following information:
• Entry word— the word being defined in a dictionary, usually set in boldface. The •
separates the syllables and indicates how many syllables there are in the entry
word. The part of speech, in this case, noun, tells you what part of speech the word
is.
• Pronunciation— this is separated into syllables and tells you how to pronounce
the entry word. The symbol ’ tells you which syllable is stressed. In this example,
the first syllable is stressed. In an electronic dictionary, you can click on the symbol
to listen to the pronunciation.
• Definition—this explains the meaning of the entry word. It is usually indicated
before the first definition entry. This is the word sense. If a word has three
different definitions, the word meaning has three senses. Check the example
below .
This indicates that
the definition of the
word mission has
three senses. To
check the other
senses of the word
mission, please refer
to your electronic
dictionary.

A dictionary may also include other information about the entry word like:
• Synonyms and antonyms help improve your vocabulary. Finding words with
similar meanings that you can use in place of another can give you more ways to
express the same idea.
• Examples of how the various senses of the entry word are used in phrases and
sentences.
• Etymology. Knowing the etymology of a word helps you understand its original
meaning and how the meaning may have changed over time.
PRACTICE 1 USING THE DICTIONARY

Read the Vision, Mission of the University below. With the help of your dictionary*, accom-
plish the exercises that follow.

1. USM Vision: Quality and relevant education for its clientele to be globally competitive, culture-
sensitive and morally responsive human (1) resources for sustainable development.

2. USM Mission: Help accelerate socio-economic development, promote harmony among di-
verse communities and improve quality of life through instruction, (2) research, (3) extension and
resource generation in Southern Philippines.

Objectives:
3. To provide (4) programs of instruction and professional trainings primarily in the (5) fields of
science and technology, especially in agriculture and industrial fields.
4. To promote (6) advanced studies, research, and extension services and progressive leadership
in all fields of agriculture, including agribusiness, foods and nutrition, fishery, forestry, animal and
veterinary sciences, engineering, industrial education, and other courses needed in the socio-
economic development of Mindanao.
5. To develop (7) courses at the (8) graduate level responsive to the manpower needs of develop-
ment-oriented agencies in the (9) region.
6. To provide non-formal education and undertake various extension programs in food produc-
tion, nutrition, (10) trades and industries, engineering, health and sports development, and to
offer scholarships and/or part time job opportunities to the socio-economically deprived but de-
serving students.