A dictionary is a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words, with information given for each word.
Dictionaries can be general, or they can be specialized to focus on a certain subject area. Most dictionaries include pronunciations, etymologies ( origins of words), and definitions.
The word dictionary has a long and complicated history. It comes from the Latin word dictionarius, which itself came from the Latin word dictio, meaning “speech” or “word.” The first known use of the word dictionary in English was in 1483, but it wasn’t until 1604 that the first actual dictionary was published. The man responsible for this was Dr. John Cheke, who compiled a list of words with their meanings and pronunciations.
Since then, dictionaries have become an essential tool for anyone who wants to learn a new language or understand unfamiliar words. They’ve also come to be seen as symbols of knowledge and authority; after all, if you can find a definition for something in a dictionary, it must be true!
Interestingly enough, the etymology of the word dictionary isn’t entirely straightforward. In addition to its Latin roots, it may also come from Old French dictionarie or Middle English dictionarie – both of which are derived from Late Latin dictiōnārius (again meaning “dictionary” or “word book”). So next time you reach for your trusty dictionary when you’re stuck on a crossword puzzle clue or trying to impress your friends with your vast vocabulary knowledge, take a moment to appreciate its fascinating history – even if you can’t quite define it yourself!