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Nuttcase Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
The limitation of dictionaries
It seems that certain dictionary entries are either too vague or too precise, and as a result omit certain meanings a word can possess. Do you agree with me or not? Take this example for instance. According to AskOxford, the word qualify can mean
modify (a statement) by adding restrictions or reservations
There is nothing wrong with that entry, but compare this to this entry from American Heritage:
To modify, limit, or restrict, as by giving exceptions.
Adding reservations is more general than giving exceptions; although their meanings converge a bit. What do you think and why? Thank you for your time.
modify (a statement) by adding restrictions or reservations
There is nothing wrong with that entry, but compare this to this entry from American Heritage:
To modify, limit, or restrict, as by giving exceptions.
Adding reservations is more general than giving exceptions; although their meanings converge a bit. What do you think and why? Thank you for your time.
Top answer
Hello, nutcase-- and welcome to English Forums. I agree that some dictionaries are more lucid than others and that no dictionary can include everything. However, I see no substantial difference in clarity or precision between adding reservations and giving exceptions .
- Hello, nutcase-- and welcome to English Forums.
- I agree that some dictionaries are more lucid than others and that no dictionary can include everything.
- However, I see no substantial difference in clarity or precision between adding reservations and giving exceptions .
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6 Answers
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Hello, nutcase-- and welcome to English Forums.
I agree that some dictionaries are more lucid than others and that no dictionary can include everything. However, I see no substantial difference in clarity or precision between adding reservations and giving exceptions.
I agree that some dictionaries are more lucid than others and that no dictionary can include everything. However, I see no substantial difference in clarity or precision between adding reservations and giving exceptions.
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Thank you for your take on this.
I have to agree that there is not much difference. However, I think adding reservations applies to more instances than giving exceptions. Isn't that correct?
I have to agree that there is not much difference. However, I think adding reservations applies to more instances than giving exceptions. Isn't that correct?
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Well, for instance, one can say: I think you are wrong, although I was wrong on a number of occasion without realizing it.
The bolded part is a reservation, but not an exception.
The bolded part is a reservation, but not an exception.
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Adding a reservation encompasses giving exceptions, but is not defined as it.
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