Question

Which reference is most helpful in understanding what Stanley means when he uses the word preen?

a) Dictionary
b) Thesaurus
c) Usage dictionary
d) Grammar guide

Answer 1

A usage dictionary would be the most helpful reference to understand what Stanley means when he uses the word preen. Option c.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reference that would be most helpful in understanding what Stanley means when he uses the word preen is a usage dictionary.

A usage dictionary provides information on how words are used in a specific context or domain, such as literature or a particular profession. It goes beyond the ordinary speech definitions provided in a regular dictionary and gives insights into the specific nuances and connotations of words.

By consulting a usage dictionary, Stanley can gain a deeper understanding of how the word preen is used within a specific domain or field, which can help him accurately interpret its meaning in the given context.

So option c.