Understanding Dictionary Order of Words

To arrange words in dictionary order, we compare them letter by letter from left to right. The word that comes first alphabetically at the first point of difference determines its position in the sequence.

Let's look at the given words and their corresponding numbers:

• 1. Defeat
• 2. Decline
• 3. Delegate
• 4. Deliberately
• 5. Dedicate
• 6. Demanding

Step-by-Step Comparison for Alphabetical Sorting

All the words start with 'De'. We need to look at the third letter:

• Decline (2)
• Defeat (1)
• Delegate (3)
• Deliberately (4)
• Dedicate (5)
• Demanding (6)

Comparing the third letters (c, f, l, d, l, m) alphabetically: 'c' comes first, followed by 'd', 'f', 'l', and 'm'.

So, the word starting with 'Dec' comes first:

1. Decline (2)

Next is the word starting with 'Ded':

2. Dedicate (5)

Next is the word starting with 'Def':

3. Defeat (1)

Now we have words starting with 'Del': Delegate (3) and Deliberately (4). We compare the fourth letter:

• Delegate (3)
• Deliberately (4)

Comparing the fourth letters ('g' and 'i'): 'g' comes before 'i'.

So, 'Delegate' comes before 'Deliberately'.

4. Delegate (3)

5. Deliberately (4)

Finally, the word starting with 'Dem':

6. Demanding (6)

Final Dictionary Order

Based on the letter-by-letter comparison, the words in correct dictionary order are:

1. Decline (2)
2. Dedicate (5)
3. Defeat (1)
4. Delegate (3)
5. Deliberately (4)
6. Demanding (6)

The sequence of the numbers is 2, 5, 1, 3, 4, 6.

Revision Table: Dictionary Order Practice

Additional Information: Tips for Ordering Words Alphabetically

When arranging words alphabetically, especially for exams:

• Compare words character by character from the beginning.
• As soon as you find a difference, the letter that comes earlier in the alphabet determines the word's position.
• If words are identical up to the last letter of the shorter word, the shorter word comes first. For example, "cat" comes before "catalogue".
• Pay close attention to repeated letters and longer words.
• Practice with lists of words to improve speed and accuracy.