What is the correct syntax for defining a dictionary?

The correct syntax for defining a dictionary in Python is to use curly braces with key-value pairs separated by a colon. The proper format is dictionary_name = {key: value}. This notation allows you to create a dictionary where key is the unique identifier for accessing a corresponding value.

Using curly braces is crucial here because it clearly indicates the beginning and end of the dictionary. The colon between the key and value establishes a relationship, allowing the dictionary to store data in an associative manner.

In contrast, the other options do not follow the correct syntax for creating a dictionary. For instance, using curly braces without the equal sign or mixing brackets and parentheses would lead to syntax errors. Understanding the correct format for defining dictionaries is fundamental to utilizing this important data structure in Python effectively.