Dictionaries are not what they used to be

Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language is a seminal work by Noah Webster, published when he was 70 years old. It contains 70,000 entries and was the first serious articulation of American English as distinct from British English. The dictionary is based extensively on the King James Version of the Bible and reflects the values and language of the early nineteenth century. It is a valuable reference tool for understanding the founding documents of the United States and other important texts from that period. The modern compact edition preserves all the words, definitions, and examples while omitting some explanatory content to save space.

An unabridged dictionary aims to be a comprehensive resource for the English language, containing a vast collection of words, definitions, etymologies, and usage examples. It includes not only common terms but also rare, archaic, and specialized vocabulary. Such dictionaries are valuable tools for language enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of the English language. These editions are often large and detailed, offering insights into the historical development and nuances of word meanings. They serve as a detailed record of the language at a particular point in time, capturing its richness and complexity. These dictionaries stand as a comprehensive reference, providing a deep exploration of the English language.

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is the principal historical dictionary of the English language. It was first published in 1884 and has since undergone several editions and supplements. The second edition, published in 1989, comprises 20 volumes and includes over 500,000 words, 290,000 main entries, and extensive etymological and historical information. The dictionary features entries with the earliest recorded sense of a word, followed by additional senses in historical order, along with illustrative quotations. It is a seminal work for scholars and researchers, providing a detailed insight into the evolution of the English language.

Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language is a seminal work by Noah Webster, published when he was 70 years old. It contains 70,000 entries and was the first serious articulation of American English as distinct from British English. The dictionary is based extensively on the King James Version of the Bible and reflects the values and language of the early nineteenth century. It is a valuable reference tool for understanding the founding documents of the United States and other important texts from that period. The modern compact edition preserves all the words, definitions, and examples while omitting some explanatory content to save space.

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