Frequently Asked Questions
Dictionaries
Are dictionaries really necessary? |
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We like to think so! Almost everyone who uses the English language will have some need to use a dictionary, and many people need to use one every single day.
In fact, there are so many different ways to use a dictionary, and so many people who need to use them, that dictionaries have evolved to fit every conceivable need. These include checking spellings, finding out the basic meaning of a word, or its pronunciation, or discovering the word's origin. People learning English as a second language have special requirements, and the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary will explain things that a native speaker would understand but might give difficulty to a foreign learner. And those who need a detailed analysis of the entire history of every word ever used in English will turn to the great 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary (see www.oed.com).
Other questions in this section: What is a dictionary?
What are people referring to when they talk about the 'Oxford Dictionary'?
Are dictionaries always in alphabetical order?
Are dictionaries really necessary?
Are lexicographers good spellers?
Are other languages besides English recorded in huge multi-volume dictionaries?
Do dictionary-makers ever make mistakes?
Do you include words used on the Internet?
How can I access OED Online?
How do you decide if a new word should go in an Oxford dictionary?
How do you decide what to include in a dictionary?
How do you know what a word means?
How has computer technology affected dictionary-making?
How have dictionaries changed over the years?
How will a dictionary look in 2050?
How will revision affect the size of the OED?
Is there an official committee which regulates the English language?
What skills and talents does a lexicographer need?
When will the Third Edition of the OED be published?
Will you put the word I have invented into the dictionary?
If, after browsing the FAQs, you still can't find the answer to your question then submit your query to the AskOxford Language Query team.
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