Journal Article

Problems with Dictionaries

Canellada, Maria Josefa

1988

Overview

Difficulties involved in producing a dictionary are described. Synonyms are given as an example of a potential problem as no two words are exactly synonymous; even where meaning seems to coincide, usage may not, depending on situation, register, & lexical context. Problems in giving a good definition are outlined, & precise rules for good definitions established by lexicographers are listed. The golden rule of definition is stated as the \"law of synonymy,\" according to which the definition is a synonym of the word being defined in such a way that one can be substituted by the other without a change in meaning. The validity of a definition is claimed to be proved by substitutability. In reference to verbs, identity of subjects is required before substitution of the defined term by the definition can be successful. The necessary equivalence of meaning between the word to be defined & the definition is said to be often incomplete; things cannot be more or less equivalent. It is claimed that lack of rigidity in definitions is the rubric under which the dangers of dictionary making fall for the naive editor. Other dictionary failures include limited, insufficient, or confusing definitions. B. Haapa

• Subject: Dictionary / Synonym