The spelling of "collegiate dictionary" can be explained through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "collegiate" is pronounced /kəˈlidʒət/ with the primary stress on the second syllable. The "c" is pronounced as /k/ followed by a short "u" sound /ə/. The "l" is pronounced as /l/, and the "g" is pronounced as a soft /dʒ/. The word "dictionary" is pronounced /ˈdɪkʃənɛri/ with primary stress on the first syllable. The "d" is pronounced as /d/, the "ic" is pronounced as /ɪk/, the "tio" is pronounced as /ʃə/, and the "nary" is pronounced as /nɛri/.
A collegiate dictionary refers to a comprehensive reference book that contains an extensive collection of words and their definitions, specifically designed for college-level students and academics. With a primary focus on a broad range of vocabulary used in various academic disciplines, this type of dictionary aims to cater to the specific needs of students and professionals in higher education.
Unlike basic dictionaries, a collegiate dictionary provides more detailed explanations and includes specialized terms, technical jargon, and field-specific vocabulary that go beyond the scope of a regular dictionary. It encompasses a variety of subjects, including sciences, humanities, social sciences, and technical fields such as medicine, law, and engineering.
Furthermore, a collegiate dictionary often incorporates information beyond mere definitions. It may include added features like example sentences, etymology, pronunciation guides, usage notes, and part of speech labels to aid in understanding and usage. These additional elements contribute to a more comprehensive comprehension of word meanings and usage in various contexts.
The term "collegiate" implies that the dictionary is specifically tailored to meet the scholastic requirements of college students and academic professionals. Its purpose is to assist in their research, academic writing, comprehension, and overall communication skills. A collegiate dictionary, therefore, stands as an essential tool for those seeking an in-depth understanding of words and their nuances, catering to the linguistic needs of the higher education community.
The word "collegiate" originates from the Latin word "collegium", which means "society" or "community". In the Middle Ages, Medieval Latin used the term "collegiatus" to refer to a member of a college or university. The word "dictionary" has its roots in the Latin term "dictionarium", which referred to a collection of words or phrases.
The combination of the two terms, "collegiate dictionary", implies a dictionary that is associated with or related to a college or university. This term signifies a specialized dictionary that provides definitions, spellings, pronunciation, and other pertinent information for words often used in academic or collegiate settings.