37 Facts About Oxford English Dictionary

The Origins of the Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionaries of the English language. Its history and development are fascinating.

1. The idea for the OED was first proposed in 1857 by the Philological Society of London.
2. Work on the dictionary began in 1879, with James Murray as the primary editor.
3. The first edition of the OED was published in 1928, after nearly 50 years of work.
4. The original plan was to complete the dictionary in ten years, but it took much longer due to the project's complexity.
5. The first edition contained over 400,000 words and phrases.

The Structure and Content of the OED

The OED is known for its detailed entries and historical depth. Each entry provides not just definitions but also the history of the word's usage.

6. Each word entry includes the word's pronunciation, part of speech, etymology, and definitions.
7. The dictionary also provides quotations from literature to show how words have been used over time.
8. The OED includes words from all varieties of English, including British, American, Australian, and Indian English.
9. It also covers words from different fields, such as science, technology, and the arts.
10. The dictionary is updated regularly to include new words and meanings.

The Editors and Contributors

Creating the OED was a monumental task that required the efforts of many people. The editors and contributors played a crucial role in its development.

11. James Murray, the first editor, worked on the dictionary for over 30 years.
12. Murray's team included several assistant editors and hundreds of volunteer readers who provided quotations.
13. One of the most famous contributors was Dr. W.C. Minor, who sent thousands of quotations from his cell in a mental asylum.
14. The dictionary's second editor, Henry Bradley, joined the project in 1888 and worked on it until his death in 1923.
15. The third editor, William Craigie, took over in 1925 and helped complete the first edition.

The Evolution of the OED

The OED has evolved significantly since its first edition. It has adapted to changes in the English language and advancements in technology.

16. The second edition of the OED was published in 1989, combining the original dictionary with its supplements.
17. The second edition contains over 600,000 words and phrases.
18. In 1992, the OED was made available on CD-ROM, making it easier to search and use.
19. The OED Online was launched in 2000, providing digital access to the dictionary.
20. The online version is updated quarterly with new words and revisions.

Interesting Facts About the OED

The OED is full of interesting facts and trivia that highlight its unique place in the world of dictionaries.

21. The longest entry in the OED is for the verb "set," which has over 60,000 words.
22. The shortest entry is for the word "I," which has just one letter.
23. The OED includes words from over 600 languages, reflecting the global influence of English.
24. The dictionary's editors have coined new words, such as "onomasiology," the study of naming.
25. The OED has been used as a source for many other dictionaries and language resources.

The Impact of the OED

The OED has had a significant impact on the study and understanding of the English language. Its influence extends beyond just being a dictionary.

26. The OED is considered the definitive record of the English language.
27. It has been used as a reference by scholars, writers, and researchers worldwide.
28. The dictionary has influenced the development of other major dictionaries, such as the American Heritage Dictionary.
29. The OED has been cited in numerous academic papers and books.
30. It has also been featured in popular culture, including movies, TV shows, and novels.

Fun Facts About the OED

The OED is not just a serious academic resource; it also has some fun and quirky aspects.

31. The word "dord" was mistakenly included in the second edition as a ghost word, meaning it didn't actually exist.
32. The OED includes the longest word in the English language: "pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis."
33. The dictionary has a word of the year, chosen to reflect significant trends or events.
34. The OED has a "Save the Words" campaign to encourage the use of rare and obsolete words.
35. The dictionary's editors sometimes receive unusual word suggestions from the public.

The Future of the OED

The OED continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the English language and technology.

36. The third edition of the OED is currently in progress, with a projected completion date in the 2030s.
37. The OED is exploring new ways to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve its entries and updates.

The Final Word on the Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) isn't just a book; it's a living record of the English language. With over 600,000 words, it captures the evolution of our speech from the 12th century to today. The OED's first edition took 70 years to complete, showing the dedication behind it. It's updated quarterly, ensuring it stays current. Fun fact: the longest word in the OED has 45 letters! This dictionary is more than definitions; it includes the history and usage of words, making it a treasure for linguists and word lovers alike. Whether you're a student, writer, or just curious, the OED offers a deep dive into the richness of English. So next time you look up a word, remember the incredible journey it took to get there.