The Oxford Dictionary is a classic reference work, offering readers insight into the depths of the English language since its publication in 1884. The 20th-edition—published in 1989—contains over 250,000 words and brings forth numerous changes to the language that have taken place over time. Embark on a fascinating journey as we explore the 20th edition of this classic dictionary. Uncover the new introductions and key innovations that made this edition so special.

Table of Contents

• 1. Celebrating the Oxford Dictionary – 500 Years of Lexicography
• 2. Exploring the Origins of the Oxford Dictionary
• 3. Unpacking the Features of the 19th Edition
• 4. Examining How the Oxford Dictionary Reflects English Language in the 21st Century
• 5. Unlocking the Power of the Oxford Dictionary –A Powerful Tool for Language Learning
• 6. Celebrating the Oxford Dictionary – A Golden Achievement In Lexicography
• Q&A

1. Celebrating the Oxford Dictionary – 500 Years of Lexicography

The Oxford Dictionary, one of the oldest forms of lexicography, has stood the test of time for 500 years. This extensive library of words has provided us with an impressive language, allowing us to communicate effectively with one another.

A Symbol of Academic Excellence: The legacy of the Oxford Dictionary has been steeped in academic excellence over the centuries. It serves as a testament to all who honor its tradition of offering precise, comprehensive and accurate translations – both in the written and spoken form — even as the English language evolves with time.

Its Progression:

• The first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary was published in 1755.
• It was revised in several editions between 1884 and 1928.
• The second edition was released in 1989 and included over 300,000 words.
• In 2014, Oxford Dictionary launched the ‘Oxford Dictionaries Online’, giving readers access to more than 600,000 words and phrases.

The Oxford Dictionary has been a reflection of the complexities and nuances of the English language. From its beginning as a collection of words, to becoming a source of global knowledge, it continues to enhance the way we communicate and continue to celebrate the power of words.

2. Exploring the Origins of the Oxford Dictionary

The Oxford dictionary is an English language dictionary first published in 1884. The dictionary’s roots, however, reach much further back than that. To explore the origins of the Oxford dictionary, it’s important to look back to the earliest forms of dictionaries that had an impact on the modern Oxford edition.

In the late 18^th century, the English language had to finally come to terms with its turbulent past. While it had evolved steadily at the hands of the likes of William Shakespeare, the emergence of French and Latin had diminished the use of many English words. To help keep track of these words and to make a comprehensive collection of their meanings, two of the most important dictionaries in history were developed: Samuel Johnson’s A Dictionary of the English Language and Noah Webster’s An American Dictionary of the English Language.

Both books were huge undertakings that involved countless hours of research as well as meticulous attention to detail. Johnson’s dictionary ultimately became the primary source for the Oxford English Dictionary, as it provided its core content from which the Oxford editors further refined and added to. Webster’s dictionary was also heavily used by Oxford editors to create the expanded version of the Oxford English Dictionary, which was released in 1928.

The Oxford English Dictionary is the result of centuries of development in the English language. While many dictionaries have since been published, the Oxford edition is highly regarded for its expansive coverage, exhaustive definition systems, and attention to detail. It serves as a symbol of the language’s rich history and is a testament to the quite remarkable journey of the English language throughout the centuries.

3. Unpacking the Features of the 19th Edition

The 19th edition is jam-packed with features to make your reading and research experience a breeze. Let’s take a closer look at what this edition has to offer.

Smart Search Technology — This revolutionary search engine lets you scour pages for keywords with unprecedented speed and accuracy. No more endless flipping through pages — you can find what you need in no time.

• Save time searching for keywords
• Enjoy hassle-free results
• Access information quickly and conveniently

Comprehensive Library of Resources — The 19th edition contains the largest library of resource material available. Whatever content you need, you’ll find it here — from ancient texts to modern essays.

• Stay up-to-date with the latest research
• Browse a vast collection of academic essays
• Discover rare and valuable sources

4. Examining How the Oxford Dictionary Reflects English Language in the 21st Century

The Oxford Dictionary has been an authoritative source for the English language for centuries, and in the 21st century, it continues to reflect the richness of the English language both as a reference and a powerful tool. Here’s what makes it such an invaluable resource.

Impressive Database

• As the world’s leading English knowledge database, the Oxford Dictionary holds a vast amount of information – covering more than 500,000 words and over a million examples of English usage.
• This unequalled coverage includes old and new words, regional dialects, slang, technical terms, and more modern usages including current colloquialisms.

Constant Refinement

• The Oxford Dictionary is continuously reviewed by editors to ensure it meets the highest standards. The editors monitor the growing use of English around the world, and update the dictionary’s entries accordingly.
• To ensure the accuracy of the information, the Oxford Dictionary team works with a panel of advisors from around the world.

The Oxford Dictionary remains one of the most trusted and comprehensive resources for the English language, and its invaluable contributions are a testament to its unending relevance in the 21st century.

5. Unlocking the Power of the Oxford Dictionary –A Powerful Tool for Language Learning

The Oxford Dictionary is renowned for being the foremost authority in the English language and provides many powerful features for the language learner. Here are five great ways to take advantage of the wealth of information and resources available:

• Practice Pronunciation — The Oxford Dictionary provides audio clips for word pronunciations, which can be downloaded on your device for convenient, on-the-go reference.
• Learn Spelling Patterns — The dictionary makes it easy to learn spelling patterns, break down words and explore quirks of English, such as the subtle changes that can occur in spellings over time.
• Lookup Idioms and Slang — It gives you an insight into everyday English, helping you to understand the nuances of the language and use idiomatic expressions with confidence.
• Find Definitions — Of course, you can also quickly find definitions and synonyms, allowing you to understand new words quickly and add them to your repertoire.
• Access Grammar Guides — The Oxford Dictionary website also offers additional language learning resources, such as grammar guides and usage tips.

The versatility of the Oxford Dictionary makes it an invaluable language learning tool. Built on centuries of extensive research and collaboration, the Oxford Dictionary is a rich source of reference for language learners of all levels and backgrounds. Unlock the power of this essential resource and take your language learning to the next level!

6. Celebrating the Oxford Dictionary – A Golden Achievement In Lexicography

For centuries, literature and language aficionados around the world have turned to the renowned Oxford Dictionary for insights into words and phrases that make up the English language. This venerated tome is a testament to the great achievement in lexicography embodied in it.

The Oxford Dictionary compiles a wealth of information on English words and phrases offering not just definitions and their etymologies but also their usage in contemporary English. It classifies them according to their origin, historical development, and other parameters. The inclusion of each word is also supported by ample examples of usage, an aspect that is especially valued by writers and language experts.

In many ways, the Oxford Dictionary caters to the need of academics, students, writers, and language learners alike. Whether you take gander at its elegant volumes, plug the entries in the online version, or make use of its comprehensive mobile app, you can explore countless words and master the nuances of their usage.

Notable features of the Oxford Dictionary

• Comprehensive coverage of English words and phrases from across the world
• Rich in etymologies and usage examples
• Regularly updated with new additions
• Conveniently available in print, web and mobile formats

Indeed, the Oxford Dictionary stands tall as an incomparable achievement in the field of lexicography and its shining legacy will likely endure for many more years to come.

The Oxford Dictionary is a unique and magical gift that the world has been blessed with. It’s a reminder of the unbreakable bond between time and language, and an essential companion for any literate person, student, or language lover. With its wonderfully clear definitions, hundreds of thousands of entries, and rich history, the Oxford Dictionary is a reminder of the English language’s past and a guide to its brilliant future.