The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is the definitive record of the English language, with over 600,000 words, and their meanings, pronunciations, and etymologies.
The OED is an essential tool for anyone who wants to understand the English language. It is used by scholars, students, writers, editors, and anyone else who needs to know the meaning of a word or phrase.
The OED was first published in 1884, and it has been continuously updated ever since. The OED is now available online, and it is also available in a number of print editions.
Table of Contents
what is oedb?
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is the definitive record of the English language. It is an essential tool for anyone who wants to understand the English language. The OED is used by scholars, students, writers, editors, and anyone else who needs to know the meaning of a word or phrase.
- Definitive record: The OED is the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language.
- Historical: The OED includes words from all periods of English history, from Old English to the present day.
- Etymology: The OED provides the etymology of words, showing how they have developed over time.
- Pronunciation: The OED includes pronunciations for all words.
- Usage: The OED provides examples of how words are used in context.
- Cultural: The OED reflects the cultural history of the English-speaking world.
- International: The OED is used by people all over the world.
- Scholarly: The OED is an essential tool for scholars of the English language.
- Educational: The OED is used by students at all levels.
- Professional: The OED is used by professionals in a variety of fields, including law, medicine, and journalism.
The OED is a vast and complex work, but it is also a fascinating one. It is a treasure trove of information about the English language, and it is an essential tool for anyone who wants to understand the English language.
Definitive record
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language. This means that it is the most complete and accurate dictionary of the English language available. The OED includes over 600,000 words, and it provides detailed information about each word, including its meaning, pronunciation, etymology, and usage. The OED is also constantly updated, so it includes the latest words and meanings.
The OED is an essential tool for anyone who wants to understand the English language. It is used by scholars, students, writers, editors, and anyone else who needs to know the meaning of a word or phrase. The OED is also a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the history of the English language.
The OED is a definitive record of the English language. It is the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language available. The OED is an essential tool for anyone who wants to understand the English language.
Historical
The historical nature of the OED is one of its most important features. It allows us to see how the English language has changed over time, and how new words have been added to the language to reflect new technologies, ideas, and social changes.
- Old English: The OED includes words from the earliest periods of English history, including Old English. This allows us to see how the English language has evolved from its Germanic roots.
- Middle English: The OED also includes words from the Middle English period, which was a time of great change in the English language. This period saw the introduction of many new words from French and Latin.
- Early Modern English: The OED includes words from the Early Modern English period, which was a time of great literary and intellectual achievement. This period saw the introduction of many new words from classical languages.
- Modern English: The OED also includes words from the Modern English period, which began in the 18th century. This period has seen the introduction of many new words from all over the world.
The historical nature of the OED makes it an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to understand the English language. It allows us to see how the language has changed over time, and how new words have been added to the language to reflect new technologies, ideas, and social changes.
Etymology
Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words. The OED provides the etymology of words, showing how they have developed over time. This is important because it allows us to understand the meaning of words and how they have changed over time.
For example, the word “computer” comes from the Latin word “computare”, which means “to calculate”. This tells us that the original purpose of computers was to perform calculations. However, over time, the meaning of the word “computer” has changed to include any machine that can process information.
Understanding the etymology of words can also help us to understand the relationships between words. For example, the words “father” and “mother” are both derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *mehtr, which means “mother”. This tells us that the words “father” and “mother” are related to each other, and that they both have a common origin.
The etymology of words is a fascinating and complex subject. The OED provides a wealth of information about the etymology of words, and it is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to understand the English language.
Pronunciation
Pronunciation is an essential part of understanding a word. The OED includes pronunciations for all words, which is a valuable resource for both native and non-native speakers of English.
- Standardization: The OED provides a standard pronunciation for each word, which can be helpful for people who are unsure how to pronounce a particular word. This is especially important for non-native speakers of English, who may not be familiar with the pronunciation of all English words.
- Variation: The OED also includes variations in pronunciation for some words. This is important because there is often more than one acceptable way to pronounce a word. The OED provides information about the different pronunciations of a word, so that users can choose the pronunciation that is most appropriate for their situation.
- Etymology: The pronunciation of a word can provide clues about its etymology. For example, the word “knight” is pronounced differently in English and French. This is because the word “knight” comes from the Old French word “chevalier”, which was pronounced differently than the English word “knight”.
- History: The pronunciation of a word can also change over time. For example, the word “aunt” was once pronounced “ant”. The pronunciation of the word “aunt” changed over time, and the OED provides information about the different pronunciations of the word over time.
The pronunciation of words is an important part of understanding the English language. The OED includes pronunciations for all words, which is a valuable resource for both native and non-native speakers of English. The OED provides information about the standard pronunciation of a word, as well as variations in pronunciation. The OED also provides information about the etymology of words, and how the pronunciation of a word can change over time.
Usage
The OED provides examples of how words are used in context. This is important because it allows us to see how words are actually used in real-life situations. This information can be helpful for both native and non-native speakers of English.
For example, the OED provides the following examples of how the word “computer” is used in context:
- The computer was invented in the 19th century.
- I use my computer for work and for pleasure.
- The computer has revolutionized the way we live.
These examples show us how the word “computer” is used in different contexts. This information can be helpful for both native and non-native speakers of English. Native speakers of English may learn new ways to use the word “computer”. Non-native speakers of English may learn how to use the word “computer” correctly in different contexts.
The OED is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the English language. The OED provides information about the meaning, pronunciation, etymology, and usage of words. This information can be helpful for both native and non-native speakers of English.
Cultural
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is not just a dictionary of words; it is also a record of the cultural history of the English-speaking world. The OED reflects the way that the English language has changed over time, and it provides insights into the lives of the people who have used it.
- Language and Culture: Language is a reflection of culture, and the OED provides a window into the cultural history of the English-speaking world. For example, the OED includes words that are no longer used, but which provide insights into the lives of the people who used them. For example, the word “abrogate” means “to repeal or annul”. This word is no longer commonly used, but it provides insights into the legal and political history of the English-speaking world.
- Social and Economic Conditions: The OED also reflects the social and economic conditions of the English-speaking world. For example, the OED includes words that are related to new technologies, such as the word “computer”. This word was first used in the 19th century, and it reflects the growing importance of technology in the English-speaking world.
- Attitudes and Beliefs: The OED also reflects the attitudes and beliefs of the people who have used the English language. For example, the OED includes words that are related to religion, such as the word “God”. This word provides insights into the religious beliefs of the people who have used the English language.
- Historical Events: The OED also reflects historical events. For example, the OED includes words that are related to war, such as the word “bomb”. This word provides insights into the history of warfare in the English-speaking world.
The OED is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the cultural history of the English-speaking world. The OED provides insights into the way that the English language has changed over time, and it provides a window into the lives of the people who have used it.
International
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is not just a dictionary for native English speakers. It is a resource that is used by people all over the world. This is because the OED is the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language available.
- Global Reach: The OED is used by people from all over the world, including students, scholars, writers, editors, and professionals. It is also used by people who are learning English as a second or foreign language.
- International Recognition: The OED is recognized as the definitive authority on the English language by scholars and institutions around the world. It is used by universities, libraries, and governments around the world.
- Cultural Exchange: The OED is a valuable resource for people who want to learn about the culture of the English-speaking world. It provides insights into the history, literature, and traditions of the English-speaking world.
- Global Communication: The OED is essential for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in English. It provides accurate and up-to-date information about the meaning, pronunciation, and usage of English words.
The OED is a global resource that is used by people all over the world. It is an essential tool for anyone who wants to understand the English language and communicate effectively in English.
Scholarly
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is widely recognized as the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language. Its scholarly value stems from several key attributes:
- Historical Depth: The OED traces the evolution of words across centuries, providing invaluable insights into the history and development of the English language. Scholars rely on the OED to study the origins, meanings, and usage of words throughout different historical periods.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The OED encompasses an exceptionally vast range of vocabulary, including both common and obscure words, technical terms, and regionalisms. This comprehensiveness makes it an indispensable resource for scholars researching diverse aspects of the English language, from its literary usage to its scientific and technical applications.
- Etymological Information: The OED provides detailed etymologies for words, revealing their origins in other languages and tracing their semantic shifts over time. This information is crucial for scholars studying the historical development of the English language and its relationship to other languages.
- Citation Support: The OED includes numerous citations from literary works, historical documents, and other sources, providing scholars with a wealth of contextual evidence to support their research. These citations allow scholars to examine how words have been used in actual contexts, enhancing their understanding of their meanings and usage.
In summary, the OED’s historical depth, comprehensive coverage, etymological information, and citation support make it an essential tool for scholars of the English language. Its vast resources empower scholars to conduct in-depth research, gain a comprehensive understanding of the language’s evolution, and make informed conclusions about its usage and development.
Educational
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is an invaluable resource for students at all levels, from primary school to university. This is because the OED provides:
- Accurate and up-to-date information: The OED is constantly updated to include the latest words and meanings, making it an essential tool for students who need to keep up with the ever-changing English language.
- In-depth definitions: The OED provides detailed definitions for words, including their etymology, pronunciation, and usage. This information can help students to understand the meaning of words more deeply and to use them correctly in their own writing and speaking.
- Examples of usage: The OED provides examples of how words are used in context. This can help students to see how words are used in real life and to learn how to use them correctly.
- Historical information: The OED includes historical information about words, showing how their meaning and usage have changed over time. This information can help students to understand the evolution of the English language and to appreciate the richness and diversity of its vocabulary.
In conclusion, the OED is an essential tool for students at all levels. It provides accurate and up-to-date information, in-depth definitions, examples of usage, and historical information. This information can help students to understand the meaning of words more deeply, to use them correctly in their own writing and speaking, and to appreciate the evolution of the English language.
Professional
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is an essential tool for professionals in a variety of fields, including law, medicine, and journalism. This is because the OED provides:
- Accurate and up-to-date information: The OED is constantly updated to include the latest words and meanings, making it an essential tool for professionals who need to keep up with the ever-changing English language.
- In-depth definitions: The OED provides detailed definitions for words, including their etymology, pronunciation, and usage. This information can help professionals to understand the meaning of words more deeply and to use them correctly in their own writing and speaking.
- Examples of usage: The OED provides examples of how words are used in context. This can help professionals to see how words are used in real life and to learn how to use them correctly.
- Historical information: The OED includes historical information about words, showing how their meaning and usage have changed over time. This information can help professionals to understand the evolution of the English language and to appreciate the richness and diversity of its vocabulary.
In conclusion, the OED is an essential tool for professionals in a variety of fields. It provides accurate and up-to-date information, in-depth definitions, examples of usage, and historical information. This information can help professionals to understand the meaning of words more deeply, to use them correctly in their own writing and speaking, and to appreciate the evolution of the English language.
FAQs about the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is the definitive record of the English language, providing comprehensive information on the meaning, history, and usage of words. Here are some frequently asked questions about the OED:
Question 1: What is the OED?
The OED is the most comprehensive dictionary of the English language, containing over 600,000 words and their meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, and usage examples.
Question 2: Who publishes the OED?
The OED is published by Oxford University Press, a department of the University of Oxford.
Question 3: When was the OED first published?
The OED was first published in 1884, and it has been continuously updated ever since.
Question 4: How often is the OED updated?
The OED is updated quarterly, with new words and meanings being added regularly.
Question 5: How can I access the OED?
The OED is available online, as well as in print.
Question 6: How much does the OED cost?
The OED is a subscription-based resource. The cost of a subscription varies depending on the type of access and the length of the subscription.
Summary: The OED is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the English language. It is the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language, and it is constantly updated to include the latest words and meanings.
Transition: To learn more about the OED, visit the Oxford University Press website.
Tips for Using the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a vast and complex resource. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of it:
Tip 1: Use the search bar. The OED’s search bar is a powerful tool that allows you to quickly and easily find the information you need. You can search for words, phrases, or even specific parts of words.
Tip 2: Use the filters. The OED’s filters allow you to narrow down your search results by criteria such as part of speech, date range, and region. This can be helpful if you are looking for a specific type of information.
Tip 3: Read the definitions carefully. The OED’s definitions are very detailed and informative. Be sure to read them carefully to get the full meaning of a word.
Tip 4: Use the examples. The OED provides examples of how words are used in context. This can be helpful for understanding the meaning of a word and how it is used in different situations.
Tip 5: Use the etymology. The OED provides etymologies for words, which show their origin and development over time. This can be helpful for understanding the history of a word and how it has come to have its current meaning.
Summary: The OED is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the English language. By following these tips, you can get the most out of this amazing resource.
Transition: To learn more about the OED, visit the Oxford University Press website.
Conclusion
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is the definitive record of the English language. It is the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of its kind, and it is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the English language.
The OED has been in continuous publication since 1884, and it is constantly updated to include the latest words and meanings. It contains over 600,000 words, and it provides detailed information on their meaning, history, and usage. The OED is an invaluable resource for scholars, students, writers, editors, and anyone else who needs to know the meaning of a word or phrase.
