DictionaryDICTIONARY

A book containing a selection of words of a language or a some special subjects arranged alphabetically with explanation about them.

a collection of words in one or more specific languages, often listed alphabetically, with usage information, definitions, etymologies, phonetics, pronunciations, and other information.

What is a “dictionary”?

a dictionary may be regarded as a lexicographical product that is characterized by three significant features:

(1) it contains data that have been selected for the purpose of fulfilling those functions; and

(2) its lexicographic structures link and establish relationships between the data so that they can meet the needs of users and fulfill the functions of the dictionary.

(3) it has been prepared for one or more functions;

USES

Define or translate words

verify spelling syllabication or pronunciation

check on usage (prescriptive and descriptive)

to determine the etymological history of a word

to an extent, standardize the language

contains 265 000 of words and more.

Unabridged dictionaries are the most scholarly and comprehensive of all dictionaries, sometimes consisting of many volumes.

They emphasize the history of words and the variety of their uses.

TYPES: (General)1. Unabridged Dictionaries

• Webster’s 3rd new international dictionary. 1961

• The random house dictionary.

• The Oxford English Dictionary, (20 volumes)

• The Random House Dictionary of the English Language

• Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language

Examples of Unabridged Dictionary

often called desk dictionaries, list 150,000 to 250,000 words and concentrate largely on fairly common words and meanings. A good desk dictionary will serve most reference needs for writing or reading.

2. Abridged Dictionaries