The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language, published by Oxford University Press. It is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative and comprehensive dictionaries in the world, covering over 170,000 words, phrases, and senses. The OED provides detailed information on the meaning, pronunciation, and history of words, as well as examples of usage and quotations from literature and other sources.
History of the OED
The Oxford English Dictionary was first published in 1884, with the first edition being completed in 1928. The dictionary was the brainchild of Herbert Coleridge, a British lexicographer, and Frederick James Furnivall, a British scholar and editor. The project was later taken over by James Murray, a Scottish lexicographer, who is often credited as the primary editor of the OED. The dictionary has since undergone several revisions and updates, with the most recent edition being published in 2019.
Features of the OED
The OED is known for its comprehensive coverage of the English language, including:
- Over 170,000 words, phrases, and senses
- Over 1.8 million quotations from literature and other sources
- Etymological information, including the history and development of words
- Pronunciation guides, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
- Examples of usage, including sentences and phrases
- Cross-references to related words and phrases
The OED also includes a range of additional features, such as:
- Appendices, covering topics such as pronunciation, grammar, and syntax
- Supplements, which provide additional information on specific topics, such as slang and dialect
- A bibliography, listing sources used in the compilation of the dictionary
Accessing the OED
The OED is available in both print and online formats. The online version is updated regularly, with new words and senses being added quarterly. The online version also includes a range of additional features, such as:
- Search functionality, allowing users to search for words and phrases
- Wildcard searching, which allows users to search for words with unknown or variable characters
- A thesaurus, which provides synonyms and antonyms for words and phrases
Free access to the OED is available through many public libraries and universities, which often provide access to the online version as part of their subscription services. Additionally, the OED offers a range of free resources, including:
- A word of the day feature, which provides a daily selection of words and their meanings
- A blog, which provides articles and commentary on language and lexicography
- A newsletter, which provides updates on new words and features
Free Trial and Subscription Options
The OED offers a range of subscription options, including a free trial period, which allows users to access the online version for a limited time. The free trial period is available to individuals and institutions, and provides access to the full range of features and content. After the free trial period, users can choose from a range of subscription options, including:
- A monthly subscription, which provides access to the online version for a monthly fee
- An annual subscription, which provides access to the online version for a yearly fee
- A lifetime subscription, which provides access to the online version for a one-time fee
| Subscription Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $29.95 |
| Annual Subscription | $299.95 |
| Lifetime Subscription | $995.00 |
Benefits of Using the OED
The OED provides a range of benefits for users, including:
- Improved language skills, through access to comprehensive and authoritative information on words and their meanings
- Enhanced research capabilities, through access to a vast range of quotations and sources
- A deeper understanding of language history and development, through access to etymological information and historical context
Overall, the OED is an essential resource for anyone interested in language and lexicography, providing a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the English language.
What is the Oxford English Dictionary?
+The Oxford English Dictionary is a comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language, published by Oxford University Press.
How can I access the OED for free?
+Free access to the OED is available through many public libraries and universities, which often provide access to the online version as part of their subscription services.
What features does the OED include?
+The OED includes a range of features, such as over 170,000 words, phrases, and senses, etymological information, pronunciation guides, examples of usage, and cross-references to related words and phrases.
