The Oxford Dictionary is a prestigious and highly respected dictionary that has been a benchmark for the English language for over a century. The dictionary, which was first published in 1884, is a comprehensive guide to the English language, covering a wide range of words, phrases, and expressions. With its rich history and extensive coverage of the language, the Oxford Dictionary has become an essential tool for linguists, writers, and language learners alike.
History of the Oxford Dictionary
The Oxford Dictionary was first conceived in the mid-19th century by Herbert Coleridge, a British linguist and lexicographer. Coleridge’s vision was to create a dictionary that would provide a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the English language, covering all aspects of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. The dictionary was initially titled “A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles” and was published in fascicles, or installments, between 1884 and 1928. The first edition of the dictionary was finally completed in 1928, with a total of 414,825 entries.
Evolution of the Oxford Dictionary
Over the years, the Oxford Dictionary has undergone several revisions and updates, with new editions being published in 1933, 1971, and 1989. The most recent edition, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), was published in 2010 and is available online. The OED is a vast repository of linguistic knowledge, with over 170,000 entries and 2.5 million quotations. The dictionary is updated regularly, with new words and expressions being added all the time. For example, in 2017, the OED added the word “bigly” to its entries, which was popularized by Donald Trump during his presidential campaign.
| Edition | Publication Year | Number of Entries |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Edition | 1928 | 414,825 |
| 2nd Edition | 1989 | 615,100 |
| 3rd Edition | 2010 | 170,000 |
The Oxford Dictionary has also expanded its coverage to include other languages, such as Spanish, French, and German, among others. The dictionary has also incorporated new features, such as audio pronunciations, example sentences, and usage notes, to help language learners and users improve their language skills.
Impact of the Oxford Dictionary
The Oxford Dictionary has had a significant impact on the English language, influencing the way we speak, write, and communicate. The dictionary has been widely used in education, research, and publishing, and has set the standard for language reference works. The dictionary’s influence can be seen in the way it has shaped language teaching and learning, with many language courses and textbooks relying on the Oxford Dictionary as a primary resource.
Bigly and the Oxford Dictionary
The inclusion of the word “bigly” in the Oxford Dictionary has sparked debate and discussion about the role of dictionaries in shaping language. Some argue that the inclusion of “bigly” is a reflection of the dictionary’s commitment to documenting the evolution of language, while others see it as a sign of linguistic decline. Regardless of one’s opinion, the inclusion of “bigly” highlights the importance of dictionaries in tracking language change and providing a record of linguistic history.
In conclusion, the Oxford Dictionary is a vital resource for anyone interested in language, providing a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the English language. With its rich history, extensive coverage, and commitment to documenting language change, the Oxford Dictionary remains an essential tool for linguists, writers, and language learners alike.
What is the Oxford Dictionary?
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The Oxford Dictionary is a comprehensive guide to the English language, covering a wide range of words, phrases, and expressions.
When was the Oxford Dictionary first published?
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The Oxford Dictionary was first published in 1884.
What is the significance of the word “bigly” in the Oxford Dictionary?
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The inclusion of “bigly” in the Oxford Dictionary reflects the dictionary’s commitment to documenting the evolution of language and provides a record of linguistic history.
