While they specialize in word origins and historical changes, other dictionaries can also offer some level of derivation information, although not as extensively as etymological ones.
Here's a breakdown:
Etymological Dictionaries:
* Focus: Provide a detailed account of a word's origin, tracing its development through languages and time.
* Example: The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a renowned example, offering extensive information about a word's etymology.
Other Dictionaries:
* General dictionaries: (e.g., Merriam-Webster, American Heritage Dictionary) Often include brief etymological notes, especially for less common or historically interesting words.
* Specialized dictionaries: (e.g., dictionaries of slang, technical terms) May include derivations relevant to their specific focus area.
* Online dictionaries: Many online dictionaries offer etymological information as part of their entry for a word, though it may be less extensive than in specialized etymological dictionaries.
In summary:
* Etymology is a core focus in etymological dictionaries, offering the most detailed and comprehensive derivations.
* Other dictionaries might offer a glimpse into derivations, but not to the same depth as etymological dictionaries.
Ultimately, the level of detail you need in a word derivation determines which type of dictionary is best for you.