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There are a number of reasons why a particular dictionary may not have a certain word. They are:
1. Conciseness. The Oxford English Dictionary, which was an attempt to present a comprehensive survey of English words, ran to twelve volumes in print without the appendices. Most dictionaries in print cannot be so bulky.
2. Designed Scope. Specialist dictionaries which focus on particular kinds of words will include words relating to that speciality which may not be generally known and will not appear in general dictionaries. And of course words outside of the specialty will not appear in the specialist dictionary.
3. Obsolescence. Words can fall into disuse. General dictionaries do not usually include obsolete words.
4. Neologisms. When a new word appears, it is hard to know whether it is a nonce-word which will never appear again or whether it will catch on and be a regular word. Dictionary compilers do not as a rule include nonce-words, so new words will be on the "pending" pile for a while until they become accepted--or don't.
5. Slang. Unless the dictionary is a dictionary of slang, slang words will not appear in it. One reason is that slang words tend to change very fast so that by the time you pin them down they may mean something quite different. Only after their meaning settles down can it possibly enter the mainstream. And even then they may fail to get into the dictionary. Your dictionary probably does not have the word "Bristols" but everyone in England and everyone who is familiar with their slang knows what that means.
6. Regional differences. English is spread all over the world, and develops new slang and new terms differently in different countries and even different parts of different countries. It is difficult for dictionaries to encompass all of these dialects.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Dictionaries have limitations in terms of space and resources, so they must prioritize common words. Less common or very specialized words may not be included in a standard dictionary. Additionally, languages are always evolving, and new words are constantly being created, making it challenging for dictionaries to keep up with every single word.
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Which does a dictionary not provide for every entry word?
A dictionary does not typically provide detailed usage examples for every entry word. It may also lack information on regional variations in word usage and pronunciation. Additionally, a dictionary may not include etymological information for every word listed.
What is the possessive form of the word dictionary?
The possessive form of the word "dictionary" is "dictionary's."
Is there a dictionary of every English word and its origin?
Yes, dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster provide definitions and etymologies for a vast number of English words. However, it may not encompass every single word due to the evolving nature of language and the sheer volume of words in existence.
What is the dictionary form of the word do?
The dictionary form of the word "do" is "do".
What word is printed on top of the dictionary?
Typically, the word "Dictionary" is printed on the top of a dictionary cover.
Which does a dictionary not provide for every entry word?
A dictionary does not typically provide detailed usage examples for every entry word. It may also lack information on regional variations in word usage and pronunciation. Additionally, a dictionary may not include etymological information for every word listed.
What word is spelled wrong in every dictionary?
Wrong
What book references every word in another book?
The dictionary.
Which word would come after the word concept in a dictionary?
Every dictionary is different. In the Oxford English dictionary, after "concept" n., and "concept" v., comes "conceptacle". In the New Oxford American dictionary, the next word is "conception." In both the TWL, (the Scrabble dictionary) and Webster's Second International, the next word is "conceptacle."
What biblical Hebrew dictionary has references to the words as used in Scripture?
All of them do. That is the definition of a Biblical Hebrew dictionary. But if you are asking about a dictionary that has references to example verses for every word, no such dictionary exists.
What is the difference between regular dictionary and oxford dictionary?
The Oxford English Dictionary Is considered to have every word in the English language. There is only one. Whereas a normal dictionary is much more concise.
A 4 letter word in the English dictionary without vowels and semi vowels?
every word has vowels.
What is the possessive form of the word dictionary?
The possessive form of the word "dictionary" is "dictionary's."
What word processing feature compares every word in a document with an electronic dictionary?
Spelling and grammar.
What attack occurs when a hacker uses programs that try a combination of a user ID and every word in a dictionary to gain access to the network?
Dictionary attack
Can you add a word in the dictionary in Microsoft Excel?
Yes you can add a word to the dictionary in Microsoft Excel.Yes you can add a word to the dictionary in Microsoft Excel.Yes you can add a word to the dictionary in Microsoft Excel.Yes you can add a word to the dictionary in Microsoft Excel.Yes you can add a word to the dictionary in Microsoft Excel.Yes you can add a word to the dictionary in Microsoft Excel.Yes you can add a word to the dictionary in Microsoft Excel.Yes you can add a word to the dictionary in Microsoft Excel.Yes you can add a word to the dictionary in Microsoft Excel.Yes you can add a word to the dictionary in Microsoft Excel.Yes you can add a word to the dictionary in Microsoft Excel.
Is there a dictionary of every English word and its origin?
Yes, dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster provide definitions and etymologies for a vast number of English words. However, it may not encompass every single word due to the evolving nature of language and the sheer volume of words in existence.
