Dictionaries are like watches, the worst is better than none and the best cannot be expected to go quite true

Dictionaries are like watches, the worst is better than none and the best cannot be expected to go quite true

Samuel Johnson, the renowned English writer and lexicographer, is often credited with revolutionizing the world of dictionaries with his monumental work, A Dictionary of the English Language. Johnson's quote, "Dictionaries are like watches, the worst is better than none and the best cannot be expected to go quite true," perfectly encapsulates his views on the importance and limitations of dictionaries.

In Johnson's time, dictionaries were not as readily available or standardized as they are today. His own dictionary was a groundbreaking achievement, providing a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the English language. Johnson understood the value of having a dictionary, even if it was not perfect. He believed that any dictionary, no matter how flawed, was better than having no reference at all. In a world where communication and understanding are paramount, having a tool like a dictionary to aid in the comprehension of language is invaluable.

However, Johnson also recognized the inherent limitations of dictionaries. Language is constantly evolving, and no dictionary can capture every nuance and variation of a living, breathing language. Johnson's quote acknowledges that even the best dictionary cannot be expected to be completely accurate or comprehensive. Language is fluid and dynamic, and dictionaries can only provide a snapshot of a language at a particular point in time.

Despite these limitations, Johnson's dictionary remains a seminal work in the field of lexicography. His meticulous research and attention to detail set a high standard for future lexicographers to follow. Johnson's dictionary not only provided definitions of words but also included quotations from literary works to illustrate their usage. This approach added depth and context to the definitions, making the dictionary a valuable resource for scholars and writers alike.