Dictionaries are but the depositories of words already legitimated by usage. Society is the work-shop in which new ones are elaborated. When an individual uses a new word, if illformed it is rejected in society, if well-informed, adopted, and, after due time, laid up in the depository of dictionaries.

Thomas Jefferson

More information about this quote

Topic

Meaning of words Words Language

Author

Thomas Jefferson

Medium

Letter

Genre

Political writing

Language

English

Time

1820 1820s 19th century

Occupation

Founding Father American President National leader Politician

From

United States

Authentication Score 3

Original Citation

Jefferson, Thomas. Letter to John Adams. 15 Aug. 1820.

Current Citation

Jefferson, Thomas. "John Adams, Aug. 15, 1820." The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Including the Autobiography, The Declaration of Independence & His Public and Private Letters, edited by Adrienne Koch and William Peden. Modern Library, 1998.

Illustrated Quote

A quote by Thomas Jefferson about meaning of words: “Dictionaries are but the depositories of words already legitimated…”
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A quote by Thomas Jefferson about meaning of words: “Dictionaries are but the depositories of words already legitimated…”
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A quote by Thomas Jefferson about meaning of words: “Dictionaries are but the depositories of words already legitimated…”
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Related Quotes

Below are one or more quotes that share at least one tag with the quote at the top of the page

Another quote by Thomas Jefferson

If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.

Thomas Jefferson

First Inaugural Address of Thomas Jefferson

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Read this speech at UVA's Miller Center website
More information about this quote
Topic
Power of truth Political liberalism
Speaker
Thomas Jefferson
Source
First Inaugural Address of Thomas Jefferson Presidential inaugural address
Medium
Speech
Genre
Political speech
Language
English
Time
1801 1800s 19th century
Authentication Score 2
Citation

Jefferson, Thomas. "First Inaugural Address." 4 Mar. 1801, Senate Chamber, US Capitol Building, Washington, DC, USA.

Another quote from the 1820s

The American continents... Are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.

James Monroe

1823 State of the Union

More information about this quote
Topic
America and Europe Western hemisphere Monroe doctrine American politics

Author

James Monroe
Source
1823 State of the Union Presidential State of the Union addresses
Genre
Political literature
Language
English
Time
1823 1820s 19th century
Authentication Score 3
Citation

Monroe, James. Message to Congress about The Monroe Doctrine. Seventh annual message to Congress. 2 Dec. 1823, US Capitol Building, Washington, DC, USA.