How can an ESL memorize word-senses which so many they are when looking up dictionary and how about idioms phrase verbs and etymological explanations it is very hard work to do?

Answer 1

It is difficult for everyone, even native speakers of English, to accomplish what you are trying to do. It takes time, effort, determination and practice. Unfortunately, there is no easy way. Your knowledge will grow as you acquire each new thing, just like everyone else's does. Regarding "word-senses," make sure your dictionary gives example(s) of the word used in a correct sentence. See my answer to "what is an order slip" question for more details. Some suggestions: The English Language is a blending of many others; German, French, Latin, etc. Make sure your dictionary is a large, comprehensive one. The nline ones often are not. I suggest you buy the printed, version of Encarta World English Dictionary (the full online version requires paid membership too), This dictionary explores the other issues you mentioned, such as etymology, which is often the best way to memorize, get right in your mind, a word's definition. Also the latin derivations are quite helpful. Study them, many re-appear in other words. People who study Latin as a language course in school have a head start in learning new words, knowing definitions of words. Latin is the core language of the "Romance Languages" as well: Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, etc., and many English words are derived from these languages. Also very helpful is Roget's Thesaurus. Get one, also in hard print copy (this way you can make notes, highlights in it. Use a lot of bookmarks too...go back to them often until you've memorized the various meanings. Another thing about Encarta World English Dictionary is its exploration, discussion of individual words' usage in many English-speaking countries, where meanings for the same word often vary as well. Americans are often confused in Britain, and the British are often confused when they're in America! Same words, differnet meanings. Often a word can have a sexually suggestive meaning in one country's dialect and not another. The same is true with most languages that are spoken in different countries, even regions of the same country. Castillian Spanish, for example, vs. Latin American Spanish. Very different, same language. The important thing is to grasp the meaning of the word by seeing it used in a sentence, in context; this is often why the etymology (history of the word's usage, origins, are shown...to help grasp the meaning, "sense," as you've said. Then looking at the Latin root of the word further helps you grasp the meaning. Again, for "sense," see my answer to "what is an order slip." I hope this helps you. Keep trying hard. That is the real key: EFFORT