The total number of English words is difficult to define precisely due to the evolving nature of language, including new words, jargon, and variations in usage. However, based on the information available, the Second Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary contains full entries for 171,476 words in current use, with additional obsolete words and derivatives bringing the total to over 220,000 entries. Other sources suggest that English has a lexicon of approximately 1 million words when considering all forms, including technical terms and regional vocabulary. For practical purposes, native speakers typically use between 20,000 and 35,000 words, while the average college graduate may know around 12,000 to 14,000 words. These numbers provide a range that reflects the richness and diversity of the English language.
相关问答FAQs：
OED’s second edition includes how many obsolete words?
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is known for its comprehensive coverage of the English language, including a vast number of obsolete words. However, without access to specific databases or recent publications that provide this information about the second edition of the OED, I cannot give an exact count of the obsolete words it includes. If you require this precise data, I recommend consulting the latest editions of reference works on the OED or contacting the publishers directly for the most accurate and up-to-date statistics.
The estimated size of the entire English lexicon (including technical terms) is about ______ words
The estimated size of the entire English lexicon, including technical terms, is around 171,476 words. This number encompasses a wide range of vocabulary, from common everyday words to specialized terminology used in various fields of study and industry. It’s important to note that this figure can grow over time as new words are introduced into the language.
Average college graduates are expected to have knowledge of roughly ____ words
The average number of words that a college graduate is expected to know can vary depending on the source and criteria used for assessment. However, one study suggests that an educated native speaker of English might have a vocabulary of around 20,000 to 35,000 words. College graduates, who typically receive a more extensive education than high school graduates, would be expected to have a larger vocabulary within this range or potentially higher. It’s important to note that vocabulary size can be influenced by factors such as the individual’s field of study, reading habits, and exposure to language.
