Sanakirjamääritykset

Sanakirjamääritykset, known in English as dictionary definitions, are the core components of any dictionary. They provide explanations of the meaning of a word, its pronunciation, etymology, grammatical information, and often usage examples. The primary purpose of a sanakirjamääritys is to inform the reader about a word's various facets and how it is used within a language.

A typical sanakirjamääritys begins with the headword, which is the word being defined. This is followed by phonetic transcription, indicating the correct pronunciation. Etymological information, tracing the word's origin and historical development, is also a crucial part of many definitions, especially in more comprehensive dictionaries. Grammatical information, such as the word's part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) and its inflections, is essential for understanding how to use the word correctly in sentences.

The definition itself is usually presented in numbered senses if a word has multiple meanings. These senses are often ordered from the most common or primary meaning to less common or specialized ones. Usage examples, which are short sentences or phrases demonstrating the word in context, help clarify subtle nuances of meaning and application. The quality and detail of sanakirjamääritykset can vary greatly between different dictionaries, reflecting the intended audience and scope of the publication.