dictionary
Meaning
A book or electronic resource that lists the words of a language in alphabetical order and gives their meaning, or gives the equivalent words in a different language.
A reference book on any subject, the items of which are arranged in alphabetical order.
Structure
Usage
I looked up the definition of "ephemeral" in the dictionary.
He is compiling a dictionary of technical terms used in robotics.
For many learners, a good bilingual dictionary is an essential tool.
Etymology
The word 'dictionary' has a straightforward lineage from Latin, directly reflecting its function. It originates from the Medieval Latin dictionarium, a collection of dictiones (words or sayings). The root dicere, meaning "to say, speak," is of Proto-Indo-European origin (deik-, meaning "to show, pronounce solemnly"). The suffix -arium denotes a place or receptacle. Thus, the literal construction "a collection/place for words" perfectly captures the essence of the modern book, which serves as a repository for the spoken and written vocabulary of a language.
Analysis
- dict: From Latin dictio (saying, speaking), from the verb dicere (to say). It functions as the core root carrying the meaning of speech or words. - ion: A Latin-derived suffix forming nouns of action or state. In this word, it nominalizes the root. - ary: A Latin-derived suffix (-arius) forming adjectives and nouns meaning "connected with" or "a place for." Here, it forms a noun meaning "a collection or place pertaining to."