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← Language & CommunicationWhy does a lexicographer consult a large text corpus when updating a dictionary entry?
A)To verify etymological origins conclusively
B)To establish prescriptive grammar rules
C)To observe current word usage patterns✓
D)To identify archaic definitions exclusively
💡 Explanation
Lexicographers analyze corpora to understand how words are currently used in context because frequency and contextual shifts influence meaning over time. Therefore, observing usage patterns ensures the dictionary reflects contemporary language, rather than focusing solely on historical definitions or grammatical rules.
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