On the methods of defining meanings of religious lexis in online thematic dictionaries

Abstract

The research material comprises dictionaries of terms related to Catholicism, functioning on Polish websites. The aim of this lexicographical-nature study is the description of dictionary definitions, namely ways of defining meanings that appear in the online dictionaries collected. The author distinguishes 3 types of texts appearing in the section of the headword, in which a definition is traditionally placed: 1) information about what the headword means, tending to be balanced, provided in stylistically neutral vocabulary, sometimes with features of academic style – objective definitions; 2) information about the meaning of a word, supplemented by a humorous or satirical presentation of the designatum – subjective definitions; 3) Texts that replace a proper definition, connected to headwords in different ways – pseudo-definitions (failed definitions or comments). The number of dictionaries published on the Internet proves that the model of a dictionary as a way to share information is considered useful and attractive. The method of composing a definition, however, shows how different objectives are attributed to online dictionaries: not only should they impart knowledge about the language, but first of all describe the world and shape favorable or reluctant attitude of readers to religious issues.