The Classical Liberal Arts Academy provides all students with full access to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). The OED is the authoritative historical dictionary of the English language and is an essential tool for serious classical, literary, and academic study. This article explains how to access the OED and how to use it properly for your studies.
What the Oxford English Dictionary Is
The Oxford English Dictionary is not a simple definition dictionary. It is a historical dictionary, meaning that it explains the original meaning of words, how meanings have developed over time, when words first appeared in English, how words were used in earlier centuries, and provides authoritative quotations from primary sources.
For classical education, this is critical. Many modern dictionaries only reflect current popular usage, whereas the OED preserves the intellectual history of language, which aligns with the aims of classical learning.
How to Access the OED
Open a web browser and go to the Oxford English Dictionary website. When prompted to sign in, choose the option to "Sign in with username / password".
Use the following credentials provided by the Classical Liberal Arts Academy.
- Go to: https://www.oed.com
- Username: oedclaa
- Password: oedclaa
Once logged in, you will have full access to all dictionary entries and tools.
These credentials are provided for CLAA students only and should not be shared outside the Academy.
How to Look Up a Word
Once logged in, use the search bar at the top of the page. Enter the word you wish to study and select the correct entry if multiple results appear. You will be taken to the full dictionary entry for that word.
How to Read an OED Entry Properly
An OED entry contains far more information than a modern dictionary. Students should learn to read it carefully.
An entry includes the headword and pronunciation, showing the standard spelling and pronunciation. It identifies the part of speech, distinguishing whether a word is used as a noun, verb, adjective, or in multiple grammatical roles.
The etymology section explains the word’s origin, including Latin, Greek, French, or other roots. This is especially important for classical and theological studies.
Meanings are listed in historical order, starting with the earliest known sense. Modern meanings often appear later. Each meaning is supported by dated quotations from authoritative writers, showing how the word was actually used in different periods.
Students should not assume that the first meaning they recognize is the original or most accurate one.
How Students Should Use the OED in Their Studies
Students at the Classical Liberal Arts Academy should use the OED when reading classical or older English texts, when writing essays that require precise language, when studying philosophy, theology, history, or literature, when uncertain about the true meaning of an important term, and when distinguishing modern usage from traditional usage.
Words such as virtue, nature, science, reason, liberty, and education often have meanings today that differ significantly from their historical meanings. The OED helps students avoid modern misunderstandings.
Using the OED for Writing and Research
When writing essays or assignments, students should use the OED to confirm that words are used accurately, pay attention to historical meanings when writing about historical subjects, avoid relying solely on modern dictionary definitions, and, when appropriate, note how a word’s meaning has changed over time.
The OED is especially valuable for avoiding vague or anachronistic language.
Academic Integrity and Responsible Use
Access to the OED is a privilege provided by the Classical Liberal Arts Academy.
Students are expected to use the resource responsibly, respect the Academy’s subscription, avoid sharing login credentials publicly, and use the OED for genuine academic study.
Misuse of shared academic resources reflects poorly on the student and the Academy.
Summary
The Oxford English Dictionary is one of the most important tools available to CLAA students. It supports careful reading, precise writing, and historically grounded understanding of language.
Students are strongly encouraged to make regular use of the OED throughout their studies, especially in subjects involving classical texts, philosophy, theology, and serious writing.
If you are unsure how to interpret an OED entry, ask your instructor for guidance.