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A) Outdated information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