historical lexicography

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "historical lexicography" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the study or practice of compiling dictionaries that focus on the historical development of words and their meanings. Example: "The research paper delves into historical lexicography, examining how the meanings of certain words have evolved over centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Historical lexicography?

The New York Times - Magazine

The occasion was the Fifth International Conference on Historical Lexicography and Lexicology, an erudite gathering of scholars interested in exploring the work of dictionaries structured on historical principles.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"He had a background in historical and modern lexicography, which is quite unusual," said John Simpson, the chief editor of the O.E.D., who hired him.

The New York Times - Arts

Even experts who were aware of the immense wealth of the literatures in the different Islamic languages (such as Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Urdu) until the 20th century rarely appreciated the literatures from an aesthetic viewpoint; rather, they used them as a source for lexicography and for philological and historical research.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scholars more and more felt the need for a full historical dictionary that would display the English language in accordance with the most rigorous scientific principles of lexicography.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Naughty lexicography.

The Guardian - Books

"Mostly used in computational lexicography.

The New York Times - Arts

Now that task could include lexicography.

The Guardian - Books

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court specializes in law, not lexicography.

The New York Times

He was a pioneer of critical Hebrew lexicography and grammar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And print lexicography is a zero-sum game.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "historical lexicography" when you want to emphasize the historical development and changes within the field of dictionary-making itself, rather than just the history of words.

Common error

Avoid using "historical lexicography" when simply referring to the study of dictionaries in general. This term specifically refers to the historical evolution and practices within the field of lexicography itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "historical lexicography" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific field of study within linguistics, focusing on the historical development of dictionaries and lexicographical practices. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "historical lexicography" is a noun phrase referring to the study of the history and development of dictionaries. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, though its usage is relatively rare. Primarily found in news and media, and encyclopedias, it is generally employed in formal, academic contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "diachronic lexicography" or "history of dictionary making", can be used to express similar concepts with slightly different nuances. Using the phrase accurately involves understanding its specific focus on the evolution of dictionary-making practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diachronic lexicography

Replaces "historical" with "diachronic", emphasizing the study of language change over time, a more technical synonym.

chronological lexicography

Highlights the chronological aspect of studying dictionaries.

history of dictionary making

Focuses on the process of creating dictionaries throughout history, shifting the emphasis from the field of study to the activity itself.

evolution of lexicography

Highlights the changes and developments in lexicography over time.

historical dictionary studies

Emphasizes the study of dictionaries from a historical perspective, framing it as a specific area of research.

development of wordbooks

Uses the term "wordbooks" as an older alternative to "dictionaries", placing emphasis on evolution.

past lexicographical practices

Focuses on the methods and techniques used in lexicography in the past.

historical word studies

Broadens the scope to include studies of words and their meanings in a historical context, not just dictionaries.

origins of dictionary compilation

Highlights the roots and beginning of dictionary creation.

lexicography's historical context

Shifts the focus to the background and circumstances surrounding the development of lexicography.

FAQs

What does "historical lexicography" mean?

"Historical lexicography" refers to the study of the history and evolution of dictionaries and the practices involved in creating them. It examines how dictionaries have changed over time and how they reflect historical attitudes toward language.

How is "historical lexicography" different from general lexicography?

While lexicography broadly encompasses the theory and practice of dictionary-making, "historical lexicography" specifically focuses on the development and changes in dictionary-making practices over time. General lexicography is concerned with current methods and principles.

In what contexts is "historical lexicography" typically used?

The phrase "historical lexicography" is often used in academic research, linguistic studies, and discussions about the history of language. It is less common in everyday conversation.

Are there alternative terms I can use instead of "historical lexicography"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternative phrases like "diachronic lexicography", "history of dictionary making", or "evolution of lexicography". These alternatives can provide a similar meaning while varying the emphasis.