i’ve never been on this site before – that is to say, you don’t even get like a couple free words

what a joke

  • lemmy_outta_here@lemmy.worldEnglish
    44·
    11 months ago

    Hi! With the OED, it has been like that at least since I started university in 2007. However, lots of public libraries have subscriptions. I just go to my library website, login, and follow the link to the OED. There are many other reference tools that are also included in my library card. Libraries rule!

    Edit: you can check merriam-webster for free, I think

  • KISSmyOS@lemmy.worldEnglish
    434·
    11 months ago

    what a joke

    In the past, you had to buy the book. Or go to the library to read it.
    Both of which you can still do. And with a library membership you can access the web version as well.

    How else do you expect the authors of the dictionary to pay their rent?

  • TheGrandNagus@lemmy.worldEnglish
    28·
    11 months ago

    You can still buy the book or access the site via most libraries.

    I get that it’s a bit annoying, but I’m guessing you’d also be annoyed about an ad-ridden, data-harvesting dictionary.

    The Oxford English Dictionary is without a doubt the most well-researched, comprehensive, and linguistically complete English dictionary on Earth, bar none. Nothing even comes close to its depth and scope.

    It perhaps is the most well-researched and comprehensive dictionary of all languages, but I wouldn’t know.

    It’s laid out in an unusual way and even has words and alternate meanings that haven’t been used for centuries. It’s not meant to be a general-purpose dictionary, it’s niche and predominantly for linguistic experts or people fascinated by language.

    An unbelievable amount of research goes into it, and those people deserve to be paid.

    There are dozens of freely-available general-purpose dictionaries out there if you want them.

    • NevermindNoMind@lemmy.worldEnglish
      11·
      11 months ago

      I was annoyed, like the OP, then I read your comment and now I’m impressed and have an urge to buy a copy of OED I most certainly will never open. They owe you a commission on my sale.

  • zelifcam@lemmy.worldEnglish
    22·
    11 months ago

    I get your point, but I think this is a bad example. There are ways to access their content with library’s and educational programs. Plus you know, it IS a book. Like a real book.

    Imagine getting upset and posting on social media because someone didn’t release their published book for free on the internet.

    • brbposting@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      1·
      11 months ago

      In spite of the undeniable truth that the Oxford English Dictionary is a magnificent and exhaustive source of information on the etymology and meaning of the English language, it is my personal inclination to favor their compendium of synonyms and antonyms, which I prefer to other possibilities for their rich collection of words with similar or opposite meanings.

  • Veedem@lemmy.worldEnglish
    10·
    11 months ago

    It’s an extensively researched and informative book, much more so than other dictionaries. That information gathering process has to be paid for somehow.

  • serpineslair@lemmy.worldEnglish
    5·
    11 months ago

    I personally use collins english dictionary. It’s the best online dictionary I’ve found (best descriptions).

  • boyi@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    2·
    11 months ago

    One way to get access to OED ODE without paying a cent is by using kindle app. When you highlight an English word, if will open the dict. You can search for any word from there.

  • where_am_i@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    11·
    11 months ago

    If the dictionary was free for all, how do you, OP, envision it would finance itself.

    Specifically: hosting, web design, keeping the dictionary up to date (new words, linguistic shift, new entomological research etc).

    Please, elaborate. Until then you’re a choosing beggar.