Dictionary help
A dictionary should have an explanation of how entries are formatted so that a reader can easily understand the information for each entry. For example, the Span Dict dictionary gives three definitions for sacudir as a transitive verb, then the single word sacudirse. Does that mean sacudirse is a synonym? It then gives one definition for sacudir as a pronominal verb. Under that is an additional listing for sacudir as "article & verb transitive." What would "article" mean in this context? Finally, it gives a definition as "verb reflexive" where the meaning of sacudirse is unrelated to any of the definitions of sacudir. A bound dictionary (ink on paper) would have pages explaining the conventions used to format the entries.These pages would explain how synonyms are listed so the question about whether a word is a synonym would be unnecessary. The explanations would enable the reader to figure out the meaning of "article" in the phrase "article and verb transitive." I'm sure there is additional information that would apply to words other than sacudir.
2 Answers
For example, the Span Dict dictionary gives three definitions for sacudir as a transitive verb, then the single word sacudirse.
The verb "sacudir" is transitive, and as a transitive it has a number of definitions. Now, as a pronominal ("pronomial" is a big mistake that they refuse to correct), this verb is used with a reflexive pronoun ("sacudirse"), and when it does it is intransitive, it is used differently, and it could have other meanings.
Under that is an additional listing for sacudir as "article & verb transitive." What would "article" mean in this context? Finally, it gives a definition as "verb reflexive" where the meaning of sacudirse is unrelated to any of the definitions of sacudir.
I don't know what does that "article" mean in the Velazquez one, but the call a pronominal verb reflexive should be avoided at all costs. The pronominal (not reflexive) uses of the verb are quite often related, but not always. "Sacudirse" meaning "To reject with disdain, to turn away in a harsh and violent manner" is clearly related to "sacudir", but no dictionary will tell you what the relationship between them is.
A dictionary should have an explanation of how entries are formatted so that a reader can easily understand the information for each entry.
¡Brava!
So what are you asking for? A dictionary Help section where you could find things such as a list of abbreviations used in the dictionary, et al., that would be normally be included in any printed dictionary? Perhaps it would suffice it they told us which printed dictionary the database was drawn from or if it is amalgam of serveral printed resources.
