What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Merriam-Webster has announced a significant update to its 'Collegiate Dictionary,' adding over 5,000 new words. This update, the first in 22 years, includes terms like 'petrichor,' 'teraflop,' 'dumbphone,' and 'ghost kitchen.' The dictionary has been revised to reflect contemporary language use, removing outdated biographical and geographical entries to make room for new content. The update also includes enhanced entries for frequently looked-up words and more than 20,000 new usage examples. This revision comes amid declining sales for print dictionaries, as digital resources become more prevalent.
Why It's Important?
The addition of new words to the 'Collegiate Dictionary' highlights the evolving nature of language and the influence of technology and culture on vocabulary. This update reflects societal changes, such as the rise of digital technology and shifts in lifestyle, which have introduced new concepts and terms into everyday language. The dictionary's revision underscores the importance of keeping linguistic resources current to remain relevant and useful. It also illustrates the ongoing demand for print dictionaries, despite the prevalence of digital alternatives, as they continue to serve as valuable educational and cultural tools.
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