How to spell dictionary
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
dictionary
D-I-C-T-I-O-N-A-R-Y
The part to watch: diction + ary. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Dictionary is diction + ary. The end is -ary, not -ery.
Dictionary is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with a smaller word behind it. Each of these words is built from, or related to, a smaller word you may already know. Find the smaller word and most of the spelling follows.
Common mistakes with dictionary
- Wrong: dictioneryRight: dictionary
- Wrong: dictonaryRight: dictionary
A way to remember it
A dictionary is full of words, and diction means choosing words: diction + ary.
Dictionary in syllables
dic · tion · ar · y
Dictionary has 4 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Look up the word in a dictionary.
Dictionary on the statutory list
Dictionary is on the Year 5 and 6 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 5 and 6, when they are 9 to 11.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with dictionary, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a smaller word behind it
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as dictionary.
More words
Questions parents ask
What is the plural of dictionary?
Dictionaries. The y changes to i before -es.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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