How would we know if a word in the dictionary was misspelled?

Answer 1

Because of how words are constructed. Like German words, when her hear Eye-n-tz. It's spelled einz, like in Heinz ketchup. You use your basic word contruction knoledge like how I comes before E excpet after C, or somthing like that w/e. Go to the Scripps website and it will tell you all about how words are formed using rules and methods

Answer 2

I think a misspelled word in the dictionary is called an "alternative" spelling!

Answer 3

the funny thing is that we're taught to regard dictionaries as the ultimate authority on spelling, among their other practical uses.

but if a word entry is seemingly "mispelled", we still find ourselves looking upon dictionaries as the ultimate, authoritative reference material for commonly accepted spelling forms. we take the dictionary spelling as correct; lexicographers do take the pain to cite the word's alternative, accpetable spelling forms, if any.

we run afoul of spelling problems only when local usage spells the word differently than its generally accepted form. this is particularly true of highly specialized words that have yet to acquire general / widespread acceptance and usage.

likewise, local words that have found widespread acceptance and usage. [in the latter case, either we stick to being purists, cry "misspelling" and insist on the spelling according to local usage and in the original language...or, we accept the fact that the dictionary spells the word according to its current general usage everywhere else.

in any case, when we suspect a misspelling, it's good advice to double-check with other "authoritative" dictionaries.

and we accept the fact that words and language are rarely, if ever, static; they evolve with usage.

Answer 4

I dont kno bout yall, butt my dickshunary iz full of misspeled wurds!

Answer 5

compare it to other dictionaries by a different publisher.

Answer 6

You'd never know. I like the "alternative spelling" theory.

Answer 7

We dont
It's like saying the sky is blue but how do we not know that blue should acxtually be green and green could actually be blue?

Answer 8

we don't. we are forced to know these freaking made up words these so called scholars and intellectual people made up. WHY CAN"T AN APPLE BE CALLED A BANANA AND A BANANA A MOO COW?!

Answer 9

You wouldn't.

Answer 10

if it sounds weird