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Oxford English Dictionary by Oxford University Press
Contributed by: Blake
  • 1. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), published by Oxford University Press, is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionaries of the English language in the world. First published in the late 19th century, it has evolved into a monumental work that documents the historical development of English vocabulary, providing not only definitions but also detailed etymologies, illustrative quotations, and information about the usage and evolution of words over time. The OED covers a vast range of English words from various dialects and periods, making it an invaluable resource for linguists, scholars, writers, and anyone with a keen interest in the depth and richness of the English language. As a living document, the OED is continually updated to reflect changes in language, incorporating new words and revisions to existing entries to keep pace with the dynamic nature of English as it adapts to cultural and societal shifts. Its online platform offers sophisticated search capabilities, allowing users to explore the dictionary in an interactive manner, ensuring easy access to the profound wealth of information contained within its pages.

    What year was the Oxford English Dictionary first published?
A) 1910
B) 1884
C) 1901
D) 1776
  • 2. Who was the first editor of the Oxford English Dictionary?
A) James Murray
B) Henry Bradley
C) William Chester Minor
D) John Simpson
  • 3. How many volumes are in the complete Oxford English Dictionary?
A) 15
B) 20
C) 10
D) 12
  • 4. Which edition of the Oxford English Dictionary was published in 1989?
A) First
B) Second
C) Third
D) Fourth
  • 5. What is the significance of the Oxford English Dictionary's quotations?
A) To illustrate word usage over time
B) To summarize definitions
C) To create poetry
D) To provide authorship
  • 6. What does the 'Oxford English Dictionary' primarily represent?
A) The historical development of English
B) Modern slang usage
C) English dialects only
D) Technical jargon
  • 7. How many words are estimated to be in the Oxford English Dictionary?
A) About 300,000
B) Around 1 million
C) Approximately 200,000
D) Over 600,000
  • 8. What distinguishes the Oxford English Dictionary from other dictionaries?
A) Its comprehensive historical approach
B) Its online availability
C) Its focus on American English
D) Its size
  • 9. What is a major benefit of the digital OED?
A) Less comprehensive content
B) Lack of accessibility
C) Search functionality
D) Outdated information
  • 10. When referencing a word's origin, what term is used?
A) Etymology
B) Semantics
C) Connotation
D) Syntax
  • 11. What does the OED include information about besides definitions?
A) Personal anecdotes
B) Only current usage
C) Cultural significance
D) The history of words
  • 12. Which of the following is a feature of the Oxford English Dictionary?
A) Quotations from literature
B) Travel guides
C) Photography tips
D) Personal anecdotes
  • 13. What format is the Oxford English Dictionary primarily available in?
A) Video
B) Audio only
C) Only in print
D) Digital and print
  • 14. What is the abbreviation for the Oxford English Dictionary in citations?
A) OXD
B) OED
C) Oxford D.
D) Oxford Dict.
  • 15. What type of dictionary is the Oxford English Dictionary classified as?
A) A thesaurus
B) A historical dictionary
C) A picture dictionary
D) A bilingual dictionary
  • 16. Who is primarily responsible for the ongoing updates to the OED?
A) Just one editor
B) Crowdsourced contributions
C) High school students
D) A team of lexicographers
  • 17. As of 2023, which edition of the OED is available?
A) Digital-only
B) Second
C) Fourth
D) Third
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