Which is the most respected dictionary in the English language?

Question

I would have assumed that the venerable Oxford English Dictionary was universally admired, but a lot of Americans to hold Webster's in very high esteem.

Which does it for you (doesn't have to be one of the above)?

Actually, could you also let me know where you are? Curious if all the Americans go for Webster's and all the Brits for the OED.

Answer 1

The OED is an encyclopedic dictionary, on a plane quite a bit higher than Merriam-Webster (there are many dictionaries named after Webster; his original is long out of copyright; the Merriam-Webster seems to be the most respected).

I have a set of the condensed (i.e., it's reprinted in 4 volumes with tiny print) OED, and I have the Shorter OED. In fact, since my library subscribes and my library card gives me access, I use their online version.

The OED is different from any other since it gives the entire history of a word, with examples of how it was used over the years, and centuries, in literature.

I suppose that certain Americans consider that since it wasn't "invented here" it doesn't count.

Answer 2

I don't think you can beat the full edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, which comes in many volumes and gives you not only the current meaning of a word but how it was understood and used in the past over several centuries, going back perhaps to the 15th century. You get a cross-section of every known word, even those which have now fallen out of use. The first dictionary of the English language was compiled by Samuel Johnson, an Oxford graduate, who sometimes gave humorous definitions of words, defining oats as food for men in Scotland and horses in England, and patriotism as the last refuge of a scoundrel. The OED, as it is known, would not do that, being thoroughly scholarly and professional. Don't try to buy it or carry it: too expensive and too heavy. But one must not slight Webster's as a very good working dictionary, especially for American usage. There is of course a single-volume OED but that would not be decidedly superior to Webster's.

Answer 3

Most Respected Dictionary

Answer 4

I'm an American, and I'd have to say the OED would probably be my choice, just for the sheer size of the thing. I guess I give an A for completeness. And, with an American editor on staff now, the OED is catching up with the many American words that it missed before.

However, in my actual use, of course, I don't have a copy of the OED. I use a dictionary that I bought at the bargain table at a local bookseller for $25. It just happens to be "Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary". But I didn't buy it BECAUSE it was Webster's.

Online I often use m-w.com.

Answer 5

I believe Webster was the first to standardize the English language, even before people in Britain had decided to standardize it, so I hold that in high esteem. However, Oxford now has the most thorough dictionary. An unabridged one is massive as it not only has every word, but the first known usage of it and some history to it as well.


*edit* I'm from the US

Answer 6

I'm American. There is NO competition to the Oxford English Dictionary, not just in English, but for any other language in the world. There is NOTHING else even close to being like it

Answer 7

The Oxford English Dictionary wins!

The full version of this esteemed tome is a beautiful object as well as a great dictionary.

Answer 8

Depends on how "in depth" I want to go with the definition. I love the OED (Ever read "The Professor and the Madman?"), but I have a third grader, and she just does not have the muscle mass to be hauling the OED off the shelf. For her, and for many definitions, I get lazy and just get the Webster's down. It is old, the dog ate part of the cover, but it is my friend.

I am in the USA.

Answer 9

In the civilized world, Webster's rules. In more primitive societies, the Oxford Dictionary prevails.

Answer 10

Go ask people. They will say Websters first before they say Oxford.
Don't get me wrong. I use the Oxford also, but the Websters is more for everyday usage.