Nathaniel Bailey's Universal Etymological Dictionary

Definition

Nathaniel Bailey's Universal Etymological Dictionary, first published in 1721, was a pioneering work that aimed to provide a comprehensive account of the English language's vocabulary and etymology. This dictionary played a crucial role in the standardization of English during the 18th century, helping to establish a more uniform language by documenting word origins and meanings systematically.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bailey's dictionary was one of the first to include not only definitions but also detailed etymologies, making it a significant reference for scholars and writers.
2. The publication of this dictionary coincided with a growing interest in linguistics and the English language during the Enlightenment period.
3. Bailey's work influenced later dictionaries, including Samuel Johnson's, which built on the foundation laid by Bailey's comprehensive approach.
4. The Universal Etymological Dictionary reflected the shift towards a more systematic understanding of language, emphasizing clarity and uniformity.
5. Bailey also included regional dialects and variant spellings, contributing to a richer understanding of English as it was spoken across different areas.

Review Questions

• How did Nathaniel Bailey's Universal Etymological Dictionary contribute to the understanding of the English language during the 18th century?
  • Nathaniel Bailey's Universal Etymological Dictionary significantly contributed to the understanding of the English language by providing comprehensive definitions and detailed etymologies for words. This work helped clarify word origins and usages at a time when English was becoming more standardized. By systematically documenting vocabulary, Bailey's dictionary supported the efforts to create a unified language that reflected both contemporary usage and historical roots.
• In what ways did Bailey's dictionary influence future lexicographical works, particularly Samuel Johnson's dictionary?
  • Bailey's Universal Etymological Dictionary set a precedent for future lexicographical works by emphasizing thoroughness in definitions and etymologies. Samuel Johnson acknowledged Bailey's influence and sought to improve upon it by creating a more comprehensive dictionary that included literary examples and more refined definitions. This evolution in dictionary-making reflects a growing understanding of language as dynamic and complex, ultimately leading to better tools for writers and scholars.
• Evaluate the impact of Nathaniel Bailey's approach to documenting language on modern lexicography and our current understanding of English.
  • Nathaniel Bailey's approach to documenting language laid essential groundwork for modern lexicography, emphasizing the importance of etymology and systematic organization in dictionaries. His work allowed future lexicographers to build on a foundation that valued clarity, precision, and historical context in defining words. This focus has become central to how we understand and use English today, as dictionaries continue to evolve by incorporating new words and reflecting changes in usage while maintaining ties to their origins.

Related terms

Etymology: The study of the origin of words and how their meanings have changed throughout history.

Lexicography: The art and science of dictionary-making, which involves compiling, writing, and editing dictionaries.

Samuel Johnson: An influential lexicographer known for his dictionary published in 1755, which further advanced the standardization of English.