The term “dictionary” comes from the Latin word “dictionarium,” which means “a collection of words and phrases.” This is derived from the Latin root “dictio,” meaning “a saying” or “a word,” which in turn comes from “dicere,” meaning “to say” or “to speak.”
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “*deik-” means “to show” or “to pronounce.”
2. Latin
From the PIE root, the Latin word “dicere” developed, meaning “to say” or “to speak.” The noun “dictio” was derived from “dicere,” meaning “a saying” or “a word.” The term “dictionarium” combined “dictio” with the suffix “-arium,” meaning “a place for,” indicating a collection or list of words.
3. Middle Latin (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
The Latin term “dictionarium” was used to refer to a collection or list of words and their meanings.
4. Modern English (from the 16th century CE to present)
The term “dictionary” was adopted into Modern English from Middle Latin “dictionarium,” coming to mean “a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about their meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, and usage.”
Phonetic Evolution
Over time, the pronunciation of “dictionary” has remained relatively stable from Latin to Modern English.
Usage Examples
- “Dictionary is often used to describe a reference book that lists words and their meanings.”
- “Another example of ‘dictionary’ in a sentence is ‘She looked up the word in the dictionary to find its definition.'”
Cultural or Historical Notes
The development of the word “dictionary” was significantly influenced by the need to compile and standardize language, especially as literacy and learning spread. Early dictionaries were often bilingual or multilingual, helping to bridge gaps between different languages and cultures.
The word “dictionary” reflects the concept of a comprehensive reference for words, emphasizing the importance of understanding language, vocabulary, and meaning. It underscores the role of dictionaries in education, communication, and the preservation of language. Early significant works include Samuel Johnson’s “A Dictionary of the English Language” (1755) and Noah Webster’s “An American Dictionary of the English Language” (1828), both of which helped standardize English vocabulary and usage.