The Most Comprehensive English Dictionary: The Oxford English Dictionary (OED)

The most complete and authoritative paper version of an English dictionary is widely considered to be the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). This dictionary is renowned for its extensive coverage of the English language, including historical and contemporary definitions, etymology, and usage examples. It offers users a deep understanding of the evolution of words and their meanings over time, making it an invaluable resource for linguists, scholars, and anyone with a genuine interest in the English language.

The Unique Nature of the Oxford English Dictionary

The OED is unique in its comprehensive goal. Rather than simply documenting every word in current use, it traces every word that has ever existed in English. As such, it is a "historical descriptivist" dictionary, providing a detailed historical record of the changes in words over time. This is achieved through the inclusion of examples from printed sources and manuscripts, documenting changes in usage and meaning decade by decade.

Entries for very common words can be extensive, running to several pages of detailed information in very small print. The 1989 edition, for instance, covered over 300, 000 individual entries and occupied 21730 pages across 20 volumes and 4 supplements. This edition is a physical testament to the dictionary's comprehensive coverage and is a significant resource in many academic settings.

Updates and Accessibility

While the 1989 edition of the OED is still a valuable historical resource, it does have its limitations. For example, it is now superseded by the OED’s online version, which is continuously updated. This online edition is updated monthly with new words and the latest lexical data, ensuring that users have access to the most current information at all times.

The online version of the OED also overcomes the physical constraints of paper versions. Page limitations are no longer an issue, and continuous editing ensures that the dictionary remains a comprehensive and up-to-date resource. This makes the OED's online version the best choice for those who need the most complete and current collection of English words and definitions.

Conclusion

For those who value a tangible, authoritative resource, the OED's paper version is an incredible tool. Its historical and comprehensive nature provides a snapshot of the English language at various points in time. However, for those who require the most current and extensive collection, the OED's online version is undoubtedly the superior choice. Both versions offer unique benefits, and choosing between them depends on the user's specific needs and preferences.