Book details
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
Inspect the stored metadata, editorial profile, authors, categories, and local EPUB state.
Stored record
Metadata
- Gutenberg ID
- 29765
- Title
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
- Language
- en
- Book source
- Project Gutenberg
- Description max 80 words
-
A comprehensive reference work offering exhaustive definitions for thousands of English words, complete with etymologies, pronunciation guides, and usage notes. Ideal for scholars, writers, and language enthusiasts seeking deep linguistic insight.
- Summary up to 500 words
-
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary stands as an encyclopedic repository of the English language, meticulously documenting the evolution of vocabulary from common terms like 'abandon' to obscure archaic forms. Each entry serves as a historical record, tracing etymological roots back to Latin, Greek, Old English, and other ancient languages. The text systematically explores semantic shifts, grammatical variations, and specialized meanings across diverse fields including law, navigation, zoology, architecture, and theology. By preserving obsolete forms, regional dialects, and obsolete spellings alongside modern usage, the work captures the rich heritage of linguistic development. The dictionary does not merely list synonyms; it offers a profound understanding of word construction and cultural context. Entries often include illustrative quotations from classic literature, such as works by Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton, demonstrating how words were used in historical contexts. The volume covers a vast array of subjects, from the anatomical definition of 'paxwax' to the legal nuances of 'condonation' and the zoological description of the aard-vark. It clarifies contemporary meanings while providing a comprehensive view of how English has changed over centuries. Through detailed definitions, pronunciation guides, and cross-references, the dictionary functions as both a practical tool for current communication and a scholarly resource for understanding the depth and breadth of the English lexicon. It stands as a testament to the complexity and richness of the language, offering readers an unparalleled insight into the history and structure of English words.
- LLM editorial rating
- 4.5/5
- Download URL
- https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/29765.epub.noimages
- Local file path
-
data/epubs/pg29765.epub - Downloaded at
- 2026-07-05 06:42 UTC
People
Authors
- Various
Classification
Categories
- Dictionaries