2007-09-23 09:32:09 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
I'll give an example, crepuscular says pretaining to the evening, and nocturnal says done or happening at night but these words mean soo much more than that.
they describe the sleeping patterns of animals and the dictionary I got says nothing about this.
2007-09-23 09:40:10 · update #1
I believe that the dictionary has got problems with defining words to the point that a person is left with a vagueness that's beyond misunderstanding
2007-09-23 09:41:52 · update #2
but at the same time people tell someone constantly to look in the dictionary, automatically assuming that words are defined in the dictionary, I'm believing more and more this to be a fallacy, because dictionaries are not doing the job!
2007-09-23 10:25:58 · update #3
I'm tired of the constant putdowns and random assumptions people have regarding a question without even answering the quesiton in the first place. sooner or lator i'm going to have to just report some of these red herrings, I didn't ask for a pep talk!
2007-09-23 10:31:30 · update #4
there is one word that dictionaries do define pretty well:
dic·tion·ar·y (dksh-nr):
A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words, with information given for each word, usually including meaning, pronunciation, and etymology.
A book listing the words of a language with translations into another language.
A book listing words or other linguistic items in a particular category or subject with specialized information about them: a medical dictionary.
Computer Science
A list of words stored in machine-readable form for reference, as by spelling-checking
2007-09-23 10:36:10 · update #5
The word "Point" ( in maths)
2007-09-23 09:35:40 · answer #1 · answered by Varshita 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I understand the desire to have everything, to have it all in one place, without delay and without the expenditure of effort. Instant wisdom. But the job of lexicographers is to give you the meaning and etymological origin of words. What people do, have done and will do with those words is none of the dictionary's business. The damn things are heavy enough as it is.
Edit - If you want the answer to a question, ask one. You merely made a statement tagged with a question mark. I made a statement without one.
"Vagueness beyond misunderstanding" is beyond understanding.
2007-09-23 10:23:17 · answer #2 · answered by picador 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In today's society... I believe the definition of politician is a little tainted.
2007-09-23 09:36:29 · answer #3 · answered by Krysten 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bet i can....Love....because no words can describe love.
2007-09-23 09:35:39 · answer #4 · answered by Hollywood Whore Boulevard Kitten 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
marriage
2007-09-23 09:34:29 · answer #5 · answered by mrsdebra1966 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
normal
what really is "normal" anyway?
2007-09-23 09:35:29 · answer #6 · answered by Bella and Edward 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why, you are incorrect..
2007-09-23 09:34:51 · answer #7 · answered by Nutgobbler 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋