Vocab - How To Translate / Define

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

Vocabulary

• How do I deal with unknown / unfamiliar words?
• What tools do I have to define / translate new words?
• How can I check whether my translation is correct? 

Index

• Step-by-step plan 
• Practice questions 

Step-by-step plan

1. You find an unknown / unfamiliar word.
2. Reread the sentence(s) before and after the word.
3. Use this context to infer (=guess) the meaning of the word.

• Sometimes, steps 1 through 3 are enough! 

Step-by-step plan

4. Determine whether you are dealing with a noun, adjective, preposition or verb.
5. Use a physical or online dictionary to look up potential definitions or synonyms/antonyms.
6. Determine which definition is most logical with regards to the context. 

Online dictionaries

• English dictionaries: Oxford Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Wiktionary, Thesaurus 
• Dutch-English dictionaries: Linguee, Bab.la, Word Reference

Obsolete -> verouderd (taal)gebruik

Archaic -> verouderd (taal)gebruik 
Colloquial -> spreektaal

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Let's practice!

• Take out your phone so you can participate.
• Try to translate / define the following words.
• Use contextual clues or prior knowledge!

What does audible mean?
"A dog whistle makes a high-pitched sound that is only audible to dogs?"

What does detest mean?
"Tim does not just hate pizza. He absolutely detests it."

What does employ mean?
"The very idea of chimpanzees employing language is ludicrous to many people."

1. een baan geven
2. gebruiken
3. gebruik
4. in dienst nemen

What does alter mean?
"Grandpa didn't know that Suzie would come on the trip, so he had to alter the plans to include her."

1. alternatief
2. aanpassing
3. wijzigen
4. verschillend

What is an English synonym of "in lieu of"? Use the internet.

Conclusion

• Use contextual clues
• Pick the most logical option
• Always know if it's a verb / adjective / noun 
• Use online dictionaries carefully! (Look for: [x] definition)
• Use synonyms to expand your vocabulary
• Do not use google translate for whole sentences! 

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