Final answer:
The Oxford English Dictionary (O.E.D) is a comprehensive dictionary that provides historical context for words and their meanings over time. It is reliable for studying literature and understanding the evolution of language. When reading, it is helpful to have the O.E.D. open to look up unfamiliar words and their historical meanings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Oxford English Dictionary (O.E.D) is a comprehensive dictionary that provides definitions and historical context for words in the English language. It is considered a reliable source for studying literature and understanding the evolution of word meanings over time.
The O.E.D. gives examples of how words have been used throughout the centuries, allowing readers to see how language has changed. It provides etymology, or the origin and development of words, which is particularly important for studying older works of literature.
When reading a book or text, it is helpful to have the O.E.D. open in a separate window to look up unfamiliar words and understand their meanings in different periods.