What is a Multi-Layer Dictionary?

Most dictionaries have two layers:

• The long alphabetical list of all headwords and their definitions.
• The "defining vocabulary" = the words used to write all the definitions.

To understand a dictionary's definitions, you need to understand the words in the defining vocabulary. Since a typical learner's dictionary has a defining vocabulary containing 2000 or more words, you must already have at least an intermediate-level vocabulary to use the dictionary.

In a multi-layer dictionary, like Learn These Words First, definitions are arranged in layers so they can be understood by learners with different levels of vocabulary:

• Basic vocabulary: The most basic words are explained for beginning-level learners, using illustrations, translations, etc. These words are presented in a series of short lessons.
• Defining vocabulary: These intermediate-level words are explained using only the words from the basic vocabulary lessons.
• Full dictionary: This includes advanced-level words, all explained using only the defining vocabulary.

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