“I invented a new word. How do I get it into the dictionary?”
This is, by far, the question lexicographers(词典编纂者)hear the most. People invent new words all the time, but which ones actually make it into the dictionary? When lexicographers decide what words to add to dictionaries, they try to imagine what words users actually want to look up. There are important factors to keep in mind here.
1)Is the word in widespread usage?
The usage question is an important one that gets at the heart of how dictionaries are written. When modem lexicographers try to add words to dictionaries, they tend to approach their work from the angle of descriptivism — that is, they observe how the language is being used, see if it, s a common phenomenon, and then write definitions based on their research.
2)Does the word have staying power?
Widespread usage does not, however, guarantee a word a shiny new definition in a dictionary. Is the word going to stay around for a while, or is it just a passing fad? Is it likely to be in use in 5, 10, 20, or even 100 years? These are important questions to ask because there are far more updates and new words to be added to dictionaries than lexicographers have time to write.
3)Are you famous? Do you have influence?
If you’re famous, that could definitely up your chances of getting a word into a dictionary. Are you a writer? That could help. Take, for example, William Shakespeare, who invented (or at least popularized) hundreds of words and phrases commonly used today. Politicians also make their contributions. Abraham Lincoln invented the word neologize, and Winston Churchill has the first citation(引语)in the OED for many words, including fluffily and fly-in. So if you’re a person with influence and a following, the words you use can spread into common usage, which, as discussed above, is very important when it comes to gaining dictionary-entry.
4)Does the word fill a gap in the language?
If you’re not famous, there are other ways. Maybe you’re a scientist introducing new concepts to the public. Take, for example, the Higgs Boson particle(粒子), named after physicist Peter W. Higgs. But you don’t have to be a scientist to get your word a dictionary entry. Just look at Dominique Ansel, the pastry chef (糕点师) who captured the stomachs of New Yorkers with his dessert, the cronat. His invention even inspired copycats in the form of doissants and daffins.
Apart from these, it does sometimes help if the word is fun to say. The term blog is relatively new, which arose in 1999 when Peter Merholz made a light-hearted comment on the sidebar of his “weblog” telling his readers “I’ve decided to pronounce the word ‘weblog’ as wee’-blog. Or ‘blog’ for short.” And there’s also Dr. Seuss, who invented the term nerd.
So, why do some words make it into dictionaries while others don’t? With the knowledge discussed above in hand, the answer is more than obvious. Go forth! Use language creatively! Lexicographers are listening!
Title: How does a word gain 1.into the dictionary? | ||
Reasons | Details | Examples |
Being used 2. | With the approach of descriptivism, modem lexicographers will observe how commonly a word is used and 3.it according to their research. | |
Having staying power | The 4. a word remains in use, the more likely it is to be put into the dictionary. | |
Being invented by famous people | Chances of dictionary entry also 5. if the new word is invented by people of importance and influence. | hundreds of words and phrases invented by literary figures and 6.. |
7.a gap in the language | If a word introduces new scientific concepts, or 8. new inventions, it will probably get into the dictionary. the Higgs Boson particle; cromit, doissants, duffins | the Higgs Boson particle; cromit, doissants,duffins |
Being fun to say | Some words make it into dictionaries because they carry a 9.of fun when you use them. | 10.nerd |
高三英语其他题中等难度题
“I invented a new word. How do I get it into the dictionary?”
This is, by far, the question lexicographers(词典编纂者)hear the most. People invent new words all the time, but which ones actually make it into the dictionary? When lexicographers decide what words to add to dictionaries, they try to imagine what words users actually want to look up. There are important factors to keep in mind here.
1)Is the word in widespread usage?
The usage question is an important one that gets at the heart of how dictionaries are written. When modem lexicographers try to add words to dictionaries, they tend to approach their work from the angle of descriptivism — that is, they observe how the language is being used, see if it, s a common phenomenon, and then write definitions based on their research.
2)Does the word have staying power?
Widespread usage does not, however, guarantee a word a shiny new definition in a dictionary. Is the word going to stay around for a while, or is it just a passing fad? Is it likely to be in use in 5, 10, 20, or even 100 years? These are important questions to ask because there are far more updates and new words to be added to dictionaries than lexicographers have time to write.
3)Are you famous? Do you have influence?
If you’re famous, that could definitely up your chances of getting a word into a dictionary. Are you a writer? That could help. Take, for example, William Shakespeare, who invented (or at least popularized) hundreds of words and phrases commonly used today. Politicians also make their contributions. Abraham Lincoln invented the word neologize, and Winston Churchill has the first citation(引语)in the OED for many words, including fluffily and fly-in. So if you’re a person with influence and a following, the words you use can spread into common usage, which, as discussed above, is very important when it comes to gaining dictionary-entry.
4)Does the word fill a gap in the language?
If you’re not famous, there are other ways. Maybe you’re a scientist introducing new concepts to the public. Take, for example, the Higgs Boson particle(粒子), named after physicist Peter W. Higgs. But you don’t have to be a scientist to get your word a dictionary entry. Just look at Dominique Ansel, the pastry chef (糕点师) who captured the stomachs of New Yorkers with his dessert, the cronat. His invention even inspired copycats in the form of doissants and daffins.
Apart from these, it does sometimes help if the word is fun to say. The term blog is relatively new, which arose in 1999 when Peter Merholz made a light-hearted comment on the sidebar of his “weblog” telling his readers “I’ve decided to pronounce the word ‘weblog’ as wee’-blog. Or ‘blog’ for short.” And there’s also Dr. Seuss, who invented the term nerd.
So, why do some words make it into dictionaries while others don’t? With the knowledge discussed above in hand, the answer is more than obvious. Go forth! Use language creatively! Lexicographers are listening!
Title: How does a word gain 1.into the dictionary? | ||
Reasons | Details | Examples |
Being used 2. | With the approach of descriptivism, modem lexicographers will observe how commonly a word is used and 3.it according to their research. | |
Having staying power | The 4. a word remains in use, the more likely it is to be put into the dictionary. | |
Being invented by famous people | Chances of dictionary entry also 5. if the new word is invented by people of importance and influence. | hundreds of words and phrases invented by literary figures and 6.. |
7.a gap in the language | If a word introduces new scientific concepts, or 8. new inventions, it will probably get into the dictionary. the Higgs Boson particle; cromit, doissants, duffins | the Higgs Boson particle; cromit, doissants,duffins |
Being fun to say | Some words make it into dictionaries because they carry a 9.of fun when you use them. | 10.nerd |
高三英语其他题中等难度题查看答案及解析
If you look up the word “create” in the dictionary , you will find it means “to bring into being, to cause something each of us does daily to exist”.
We are creative whenever we look at or think about something in a new way. First, this includes an awareness of our surroundings.It means using all of our senses to become aware of our world.This may be as simple as being aware of color and texture(质地), as well as taste, when we plan a meal.Above all, it is the ability to notice things that others might miss.
A second part of creativity is an ability to see relationships among things.There is nothing new under the sun. The creativity is remaking or recombining(重组) the old in new ways. For example, we might do this by finding a more effective way to study or a better way to arrange our furniture, or we might make a new combination of camera lenses and filters to create an unusual photograph.
A third part of creativity is the courage and drive to make use of our new ideas, to ask for them to achieve some new results.To think up a new idea is one thing; to put the idea to work is another.
These three parts of creativity are included in all the great works of geniuses, but they are also included in many of our day-to-day activities.(257 words)
1.Which of the following activities is NOT a creative one according to the passage?
A.To prepare for a meal. |
B.To arrange the furniture in a special way. |
C.To buy some books from a bookstore. |
D.To “write” a letter with the computer. |
2.“There is nothing new under the sun” really implies that _________.
A.a new thing can only be created at the basis of earlier things |
B.a new thing is only a tale |
C.we can seldom create new things |
D.we can hardly see really new things in the world |
3. What is the relationship between a new thought and its being put into practice?
A.It’s more difficult to create a new thought than to put it into practice. |
B.To find a new thought will clearly lead to the production of a new thing. |
C.A man with an excellent ability of practice can easily become an inventor. |
D.One may come up with a new thought, but may not put it into practice. |
4.The best title for this passage is__________.
A.How to Develop One’s Creativity |
B.What Is Creativity |
C.The Importance of Creativity |
D.Creativity, a Not Faraway Thing |
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
If you look up the word “create” in the dictionary , you will find it means “to bring into being, to cause to exist something each of us does daily”.
We are creative whenever we look at or think about something in a new way First, this includes an awareness of our surroundings.It means using all of our senses to become aware of our world.This may be as simple as being aware of color and texture(质地),as well as taste, when we plan a meal.Above all, it is the ability to notice things that others might miss.
A second part of creativity is an ability to see relationships among things.If we believe the expression,“There is nothing new under the sun, the creativity is remaking or recombining(重组) the old in new ways.”For example, we might do this by finding a more effective way to study or a better way to arrange our furniture, or we might make a new combination of camera lenses and filters to create an unusual photograph.
A third part of creativity is the courage and drive to make use of our new ideas, to ask for them to achieve some new results.To think up a new idea is one thing; to put the idea to work is another.
These three parts of creativity are included in all the great works of geniuses, but they are also included in many of our day-to-day activities.
1.Which of the following activities is NOT a creative one according to the passage?
A.To prepare for a meal.
B.To arrange the furniture in a special way.
C.To buy some books from a bookstore.
D.To“write”a letter with the computer.
2.“There is nothing new under the sun” really implies that _________.
A.a new thing can only be created at the basis of earlier things
B.a new thing is only a tale
C.we can seldom create new things
D.we can hardly see really new things in the world
3.What does the author think about the relationship between a new thought and its being put into
practice?
A.It’s more difficut to create a new thought than to use it in practice.
B.To find a new thought will clearly lead to the production of a new thing.
C.A man with an excellent ability of practice can easily become an inventor.
D.One may come up with a new thought, but can not put it into practice.
4.The best title for this passage is__________.
A.How to Develop One’s Creativity
B.What Is Creativity
C.The Importance of Creativity
D.Creativity, a Not Faraway Thing
高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析
If you look up the word “create” in the dictionary , you will find it means “to bring into being, to cause to exist something each of us does daily”.
We are creative whenever we look at or think about something in a new way First, this includes an awareness of our surroundings.It means using all of our senses to become aware of our world.This may be as simple as being aware of color and texture(质地),as well as taste, when we plan a meal.Above all, it is the ability to notice things that others might miss.
A second part of creativity is an ability to see relationships among things.If we believe the expression, “There is nothing new under the sun, the creativity is remaking or recombining(重组) the old in new ways.”For example, we might do this by finding a more effective way to study or a better way to arrange our furniture, or we might make a new combination of camera lenses and filters to create an unusual photograph.
A third part of creativity is the courage and drive to make use of our new ideas, to ask for them to achieve some new results.To think up a new idea is one thing; to put the idea to work is another.
These three parts of creativity are included in all the great works of geniuses, but they are also included in many of our day-to-day activities.
1.Which of the following activities is NOT a creative one according to the passage?
A.To prepare for a meal.
B.To arrange the furniture in a special way.
C.To buy some books from a bookstore.
D.To“write”a letter with the computer.
2.“There is nothing new under the sun” really implies that _________.
A.a new thing can only be created at the basis of earlier things
B.a new thing is only a tale
C.we can seldom create new things
D.we can hardly see really new things in the world
3.What does the author think about the relationship between a new thought and its being put into practice?
A.It’s more difficult to create a new thought than to use it in practice.
B.To find a new thought will clearly lead to the production of a new thing.
C.A man with an excellent ability of practice can easily become an inventor.
D.One may come up with a new thought, but can not put it into practice.
4.The best title for this passage is__________.
A.How to Develop One’s Creativity
B.What Is Creativity
C.The Importance of Creativity
D.Creativity, a Not Faraway Thing
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
If you look up the word “create” in the dictionary, you will find it means “to brig into being to cause to exist something each of us does daily.”
We are creative whenever we look at or think about something in a new way. First this involves an awareness of our surroundings. It means using all of our sonses to become aware of our world. This may be as simple as being aware of color and texture(质地), as well as taste, when we plan a meal. Above all, it is the ability to notice things that others might miss.
A second part of creativity is an ability to see relationships among things. If we believe the expression, “There is nothing new under the sun, the creativity is remaking or recombining(重组) the old in new ways.” For example, we might do this by finding a more effective way to study or a better way to arrange our furniture, or we might make a new combination of camera lenses and filters to create an unusual photograph.
A third part of creativity is the courage and drive to make use of our new ideas, to apply them to achieve some new results. To think up a new concept is one thing; to put the idea to work is another.
These three parts of creativity are involved in all the great works of genius, but they are also involved in many of our day-to-day activities.
64.Which of the following activities is NOT a creative one according to the passage?
A.To prepare a meal.
B.To arrange the furniture in a peculiar way.
C.To buy some books from a bookstore.
D.To “write” a letter with the computer.
65.“There is nothing new under the sun.” (Par.3) really implies that ____.
A.a new thing can only be created at the basis of earlier things
B.a new thing is only a tale
C.we can seldom create new things
D.we can scarcely see really new things in the world
66.What does the author think about the relationship between a new thought and its being put into
practice?
A.It´s more difficult to create a new thought than to apply it in practice.
B.To find a new thought will definitely lead to the production of a new thing.
C.A man with an excellent ability of practice can easily become an inventor.
D.One may come up with a new thought, but can not put it into practice.
67.The best title for this passage is ____.
A.How to Cultivate One´s Creativity
B.What is Creativity
C.The Importance of Creativity
D.Creativity, a Not Farway Thing
高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析
If you look up the word “create” in the dictionary, you will find it means “to brig into being to cause to exist something each of us does daily.”
We are creative whenever we look at or think about something in a new way. First this involves an awareness of our surroundings. It means using all of our sonses to become aware of our world. This may be as simple as being aware of color and texture(质地), as well as taste, when we plan a meal. Above all, it is the ability to notice things that others might miss.
A second part of creativity is an ability to see relationships among things. If we believe the expression, “There is nothing new under the sun, the creativity is remaking or recombining(重组) the old in new ways.” For example, we might do this by finding a more effective way to study or a better way to arrange our furniture, or we might make a new combination of camera lenses and filters to create an unusual photograph.
A third part of creativity is the courage and drive to make use of our new ideas, to apply them to achieve some new results. To think up a new concept is one thing; to put the idea to work is another.
These three parts of creativity are involved in all the great works of genius, but they are also involved in many of our day-to-day activities.
1.Which of the following activities is NOT a creative one according to the passage?
A.To prepare a meal.
B.To arrange the furniture in a peculiar way.
C.To buy some books from a bookstore.
D.To “write” a letter with the computer.
2.“There is nothing new under the sun.” (Par.3) really implies that ____.
A.a new thing can only be created at the basis of earlier things
B.a new thing is only a tale
C.we can seldom create new things
D.we can scarcely see really new things in the world
3.What does the author think about the relationship between a new thought and its being put into
practice?
A.It´s more difficult to create a new thought than to apply it in practice.
B.To find a new thought will definitely lead to the production of a new thing.
C.A man with an excellent ability of practice can easily become an inventor.
D.One may come up with a new thought, but can not put it into practice.
4.The best title for this passage is ____.
A.How to Cultivate One´s Creativity
B.What is Creativity
C.The Importance of Creativity
D.Creativity, a Not Farway Thing
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Don’t refer to the dictionary every time you come across a new word as sometimes its meaning may be _____ clearly in a given context.
A.picked out B.ruled out C.taken out D.brought out
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Don’t refer to the dictionary every time you come across a new word as sometimes its meaning may be _______ clearly in a given context.
A. picked out B. ruled out C. brought out D. taken out
高三英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析
Why not look up the new word in a dictionary _____ you don’t know it ?
A. if B. that C. though D. whether
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
How words came into being is unknown. All we assume (猜测) is that some early men invented certain sounds, in one way or another, to express thoughts and feelings, actions and things, so that they could talk with each other. Later they agreed upon certain signs called letters, which could be put together to show those sounds, and which could be written down. Those sounds, whether spoken or written in letters, are called words.
The power of words, then, lies in their associations—the things they bring up to our minds. Words become filled with meaning for us by experience; and the longer we live, the more certain words bring back to us the happy and sad events of our past; and the more we read and learn, the more the number of words that mean something to us increases.
Great writers are those who not only have great thoughts but also express these thoughts in words which have powerful effects on our minds and feelings. This clever use of words is what we call literary style (文体). Above all, the real poet is a master of words. He can express his meaning in words which sing like music, and which by their position and association can move men to tears. We should therefore learn to choose our words carefully and use them correctly, or they will make our speech silly and common.
1.We learn from the text that language might have begun with _______.
A. expressions B. actions C. signs D. sounds
2.What is mainly discussed in Paragraph 2?
A. The learning of new words.
B. The importance of old words.
C. The relation of human experience with words.
D. The gradual change and development of words.
3.In the last paragraph, what does the author suggest that we should do?
A. Use words skillfully. B. Make musical speeches.
C. Learn poems by heart. D. Associate with listeners.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析