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Words Matter

The True Story of the Backward Index

These people needed a computer


There it sits, hidden in plain view on a set of shelves in the basement of the Merriam-Webster offices: the Backward Index. But why would anyone type out 315,000 words spelled in reverse?

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The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

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We're gonna stop you right there

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Its vs. It's

 

Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.

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How to Use a Dictionary

 

The best way to find information in the dictionary

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Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

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Hopefully

 

We believe the popular usage of this word is correct

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Sneaked vs. Snuck

 

How the irregular 'snuck' sneaked into the dictionary