Naked Science Forum
On the Lighter Side => That CAN'T be true! => Topic started by: Nijajuan Howard on 15/12/2010 04:30:02
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Nijajuan Howard asked the Naked Scientists:
I was wondering if the definitions in the dictionary are in chronological order? As far as the first may have been excepted before another or something like that.
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Mr.Nijajuan Howard
What do you think?
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Because nobody answered this interesting question I went to my Webster's and looked it up:
"The system of separating the various senses of a word by numerals and letters is a lexical convenience. It reflects something of their semantic relationship, but it does not evaluate senses or set up a hierarchy of importance among them."
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Hmmm...
Interesting question.
I would assume that most dictionaries have had hundreds, or perhaps thousands of authors. Any lack of standards could create a big mess.
I see groupings of Noun, Adjective, Verb Transitive, Verb Intransitive, etc. But, even those seem to appear in random order.
I would assume you would organize it from general to specific... and then common to uncommon.
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So, if my Dictionary defines "Gay" as being "Merry"... is it appropriate to wish all your devout Christian friends to:
Have a GAY Christmas!!!!!!! [::)]