Download the Oxford English Dictionary for Free
Introduction:
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is one of the most renowned and widely respected English dictionaries in the world. It is a comprehensive dictionary that documents the English language's evolution and growth from the early Middle Ages to the present day. In this article, we will discuss the Oxford English Dictionary's history, structure, and how it has evolved over the years.
History:
The Oxford English Dictionary was first published in 1884, and it took over 70 years to complete. The project began as a collaborative effort between the Philological Society of London and the Oxford University Press. The first editor of the OED, James Murray, was appointed in 1879, and he set to work compiling words from a variety of sources, including books, letters, and newspapers.
The OED was initially published in fascicles, or installments, between 1884 and 1928. These fascicles contained entries for individual words and were published in alphabetical order. By 1928, the entire dictionary had been published, with 400,000 entries, and it had become the most comprehensive dictionary of the English language in the world.
Structure:
The Oxford English Dictionary is structured in a unique way that sets it apart from other dictionaries. It is a historical dictionary, which means that it documents the development of the English language over time. Each entry in the OED includes information on the word's history, meaning, pronunciation, and usage.
One of the key features of the OED is its use of quotations to illustrate how words have been used over time. The dictionary includes over 2 million quotations from a wide range of sources, including literature, newspapers, and scientific texts. These quotations allow readers to see how words have changed in meaning and usage over time.
The OED also includes information on the etymology of words, or their origins. This information can be particularly useful for understanding how words have evolved and changed over time. The dictionary also includes information on the spelling and pronunciation of words, including variations in spelling and pronunciation that have arisen over time.
Evolution:
The Oxford English Dictionary has evolved significantly since its initial publication in 1928. The dictionary has been updated several times since then, with new entries and revisions to existing entries. In 1989, a second edition of the OED was published, which included over 5,000 new words and revisions to over 100,000 entries.
In recent years, the OED has embraced technology and is now available as an online resource. The online version of the OED includes additional features, such as hyperlinks between related entries and an advanced search function that allows users to search for words based on specific criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oxford English Dictionary (FAQs):
What is the Oxford English Dictionary?
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a comprehensive dictionary of the English language. It is considered to be the most authoritative and trusted source of English language definitions, with over 600,000 words and their meanings, origins, and usage history.
Can I download the Oxford English Dictionary for free?
Yes, the Oxford English Dictionary can be downloaded for free. However, this may depend on the source from which you are downloading it. Some websites may charge a fee for access to the dictionary or may offer a limited version of it. Always ensure that you are downloading the dictionary from a reliable source.
What formats are available for downloading the Oxford English Dictionary?
The Oxford English Dictionary can be downloaded in various formats such as PDF, EPUB, and MOBI, among others. This enables you to access the dictionary on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Is the Oxford English Dictionary available online?
Yes, the Oxford English Dictionary is available online for subscribers. The online version provides access to the complete OED and is regularly updated with new words and meanings.
How can the Oxford English Dictionary benefit me?
The Oxford English Dictionary can help you to enhance your language skills, expand your vocabulary, and deepen your understanding of the English language. It is an invaluable resource for students, writers, scholars, and anyone who wants to improve their command of the English language.
