How do you write a dictionary?

Question

How long does it take; where do you start?

I myself don't want to write the dictionary. I am merely wondering what the ethics are.

Answer 1

It depends on what you need the dictionary for. There are lots of different types to choose from (like picture dictionaries, children's dictionaries etc.) and that will limit the types of words you want to include and how you put them in order. The earliest dictionaries weren't in alphabetical order at all, they were in order by subject (all the words about a topic like "animals" were put together).

Another thing that writers/editors of dictionaries do is put out a general call to scholars who can submit words that they've researched to be included in the dictionary.

Most dictionaries are made by researchers or experts who look for the historical and linguistic roots of every word they include, as well as the proper uses of the words. (even urbandictionary.com asks the "experts" - regular people who use slang who then get to vote on the most correct definitions)

The more thorough the research and double-checking behind each word included, the better the reputation of the dictionary - takes a long time.

Answer 2

For a fun account of the proces of putting together the first comprehensive English dictionary (the Oxford English Dictionary or OED) read "The Professor and the Madman" Several people made the writing of this dictionary their life's work and some did not live to see it completed.

It took a lifetime to get to the first edition and 100's of 1000's more man/hours to reach is present form.

Answer 3

You write words in alphabetical order and give their meanings, derivations and parts of speech. The question is - why would you? Most dictionaries have been around for years and are just updated as the language changes.

You start with A. The time it takes depends on how many words you include. A subject-specific dictionary would take less time.

Answer 4

A great example would be the OED. I had a college course and we used the OED a lot so I became pretty familiar with it. It took them. It was around 6,400 pages and five years down the road they only reached the word "ant". It would be VERY time consuming and dictionaries are outdated as soon as they are printed, much like an encyclopedia. Words are always being introduced into the English language and must be accounted for.

Answer 5

No body writes a dictionary nowadays .
Buy 2 or 3 different dictionaries and mix everything .

You have your own dictionary.

Answer 6

Why do you want to write a dictionary, they are already written.

Answer 7

Be careful. You might be charged with plagiarism. And wouldn't it be a lot easier to just buy one? A lot faster, too.