From Word Lists to Wonders: Unveiling the History of English Language Dictionaries

By Lestari

Apr 01, 2025

In History & Language

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Have you ever stopped to consider the incredible journey of the English dictionary? It's more than just a book of words; it's a reflection of our evolving language, our history, and our collective knowledge. This article delves into the fascinating history of English language dictionaries and the field of lexicography, exploring the origins, development, and impact of these essential tools.

Early Attempts at Defining the English Language: Pre-Dictionary Word Lists

Before the advent of the dictionary as we know it, there were early attempts to standardize and define the English language. These took the form of word lists and glossaries, often created for specific purposes, such as translating foreign texts or teaching Latin. These embryonic forms of lexicography laid the groundwork for future dictionary makers.

One notable example is the Promptorium parvulorum sive clericorum, compiled around 1440. This Latin-English dictionary provided translations for common words, helping students and scholars navigate the complexities of both languages. Such efforts demonstrated a growing need for accessible resources to understand and use English effectively. These were not comprehensive, but represented the start of organizing and explaining English words. Think of these as the ancestors of the modern dictionary, early attempts to bring order to a rapidly changing language. While rudimentary, they highlighted a growing awareness of the need to standardize and define vocabulary.

The Rise of Lexicography: Early English Dictionaries Emerge

The 17th century witnessed the emergence of the first proper English dictionaries. These early attempts at compiling comprehensive word lists marked a significant step in the history of English language dictionaries. One of the pioneers was Robert Cawdrey, whose A Table Alphabeticall of Hard Words (1604) is often considered the first monolingual English dictionary. Cawdrey's work focused on defining difficult or obscure words, primarily for the benefit of those unfamiliar with more complex vocabulary. While limited in scope compared to modern dictionaries, it represented a crucial milestone in the development of English lexicography. It was a first step towards codifying the language.

Another important figure in the early history of lexicography was John Bullokar, whose An English Expositor (1616) built upon Cawdrey's work, offering more extensive definitions and a wider range of words. These early lexicographers faced numerous challenges, including inconsistent spelling, a lack of standardized definitions, and the sheer volume of words in the English language. Nevertheless, their efforts paved the way for future generations of dictionary makers.

Samuel Johnson's Groundbreaking Dictionary: A Monumental Achievement

No discussion of the history of English language dictionaries would be complete without mentioning Samuel Johnson's A Dictionary of the English Language (1755). This monumental work, compiled over seven years with the assistance of a team of scribes, was a watershed moment in lexicography. Johnson's dictionary was far more comprehensive and scholarly than its predecessors, including over 40,000 words and providing detailed definitions, illustrative quotations from literature, and etymological information. This established a standard for dictionary making that would influence generations.

Johnson's dictionary was not just a list of words; it was a reflection of his own erudition and his understanding of the English language. He aimed to