Skip to content

When I need to know the meaning of a word, I look it up in…

“When I need to know the meaning of a word, I look it up in a dictionary.” quote by William Safire
Download Open image
“When I need to know the meaning of a word, I look it up in a dictionary.”

William Safire

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Consulting a dictionary ensures precise understanding of word meanings.

In simple terms: Use a dictionary for word meanings.

Key Takeaway

Look up unknown words promptly.

Themes

language learning precision

Mood

educational practical

Type

informative instructive

When to use this quote

  • reading
  • writing
  • studying
  • research

Key Concepts

lexicography education

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is a dictionary insufficient?
  • How to balance dictionary use with context?
A Different Perspective

Relying on dictionaries may limit contextual nuance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William Safire

Explore all 103 William Safire quotes

More Dictionary quotes

Browse all 550 Dictionary quotes