If You're Curious About These Questions...
You should listen to this audiobook
- Have you ever wondered why the simplest, most common words in the English language are actually the most difficult for experts to define?
- Did you know that dictionaries aren’t actually meant to be the 'language police'—and there’s a surprising reason why 'incorrect' words often make the cut?
- Are you curious about the secret, high-stakes process that determines exactly when a word is 'real' enough to earn its place in the dictionary?
Listen to Word by Word — Free Audiobook
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Key Takeaways from Word by Word
- Discover why creating dictionaries is not an outdated practice, but rather a dynamic, ongoing attempt to understand human communication.
- Learn how diverse backgrounds—from mathematics to sports—are highly valued in dictionary writing, a profession defined by deep focus and absolute silence.
- Understand why grammar lacks simple answers and absolute rules, making seemingly basic words like 'but' and 'the' the most difficult to classify.
- Realize that grammar isn't about stylistic right or wrong, as dictionary editors record language exactly as people use it rather than following imaginary rulebooks.
- Find out why supposedly 'incorrect' words like 'irregardless' earn a rightful place in the dictionary through historical and widespread public usage.
Learning Tools
Reinforce what you learned from Word by Word
Mind Map
Word by Word
The Lexicography Profession+
Grammar's Hidden Complexity+
The Art of Defining+
Curating the Dictionary+
Creating Citations+
Controversy and Politicization+
Quiz — Test Your Understanding
Question 1 of 8
According to the text, what are the primary requirements and typical working conditions for a lexicographer?
Question 2 of 8
Why do lexicographers often find small words like 'but' or 'the' the most difficult to classify?
Question 3 of 8
How do lexicographers approach the concept of 'correct' and 'incorrect' grammar?
Question 4 of 8
What is the difference between 'lexical defining' and 'real defining,' as explained in the text?
Question 5 of 8
Which of the following is NOT a required criterion for a word to be included in the dictionary, according to the text?
Question 6 of 8
What does the story of the word 'snollygoster' illustrate about dictionary editing?
Question 7 of 8
According to the text, what is a key characteristic of a good dictionary citation?
Question 8 of 8
Why did Merriam-Webster face a write-in campaign regarding their entry for 'marriage' in 2009?
Word by Word — Full Chapter Overview
- 1Recommendation
- 2For people who research language and communication professionally, lexicographers certainly cherish deep, profound silence greatly.
- 3Grammar is far more complicated than it seems at first glance.
- 4There is no right or wrong when it comes to grammar.
- 5Words deemed “wrong” can sometimes reveal older, long-forgotten meanings to readers today.
- 6There are two main types of definition, which can confuse dictionary users.
- 7To appear in the dictionary, words must satisfy three specific criteria consistently.
- 8It’s difficult to locate suitable citations for dictionaries, and inventing example sentences can be problematic as well sometimes.
- 9Lexicographers carry inherent authority, which means their work sometimes becomes politicized too.
Word by Word Summary & Overview
Word by Word (2017) is about an object, and its associated profession, for which people rarely spare a thought: dictionaries and the honorable occupation of lexicography. Kory Stamper introduces the fascinating world of word classification through her own experience at Merriam-Webster, showing what dictionaries can do and, just as importantly, what they don’t.
Who Should Listen to Word by Word?
- Language enthusiasts and linguistics nerds
- Lovers of English literature
- Anyone hoping to get a new perspective on underappreciated professions
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