Dictionary Development Process
Overview: Word definition materials
Lexicographers recommend that words be investigated in semantic sets. It is far more insightful to compare related words than to try to figure out the meaning and usage of some word in isolation. Working through an alphabetized dictionary entry by entry is not the best way to do things. But, unless you classify your dictionary, you don't have much choice. Using DDP gives you a classified dictionary and is therefore the first step in defining the words.
Eventually DDP will include materials for each domain to help define the words of the domain. These materials will include sample definitions for words that occur frequently in the languages of the world. They will also include a discussion of the semantics of the words, such as the semantic frame, semantic components, and conceptual metaphors that are likely to be involved. Since each domain is unique, the materials will vary from domain to domain.
Work has begun on these materials, but not enough has been done to be able to release anything. In the meantime the DDP domains will enable you to get a start.