Question

In 1860, the Philological Society launched its effort to create a dictionary more comprehensive than the world had ever seen. Although the project took more than 60 years to complete, what was born as a result of this endeavor?

Answer 1

The comprehensive effort by the Philological Society in 1860 led to the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, a seminal work that documents the historical development and changes in the English language.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 1860, the Philological Society's initiative to craft a dictionary unrivaled in scope and detail led to the creation of the renowned Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Taking over six decades to complete, this dictionary was designed to be the most comprehensive lexicon of the English language, reflecting its historical depth and evolution. It included etymological information, showing how words' meanings have changed over time, which made the OED not just a useful reference, but also an interesting resource for exploring the historical development of English terms.

The endeavor by the Philological Society was borne out of a recognition that language is dynamic, with new words and usages constantly emerging, while others fade into obsolescence. This is why dictionaries are regularly updated and republished, and today, their availability extends beyond physical copies, with electronic versions accessible via the internet, apps, and other digital platforms. These resources are essential for maintaining effective and reliable communication in a world where language is ever-changing.