Merriam-Webster Dictionary Names “Science” as Word of the Year

The Merriam-Webster dictionary has announced “science” as its winning word on Tuesday, a few weeks after the Oxford Dictionaries declared “selfie” as the latest addition to the English language vocabulary.

Basis of selection

“Selfie,” a totally new word, refers to self-taken photos with the use of a smartphone or web camera. Its usage dramatically jumped during the year with many people mentioning it in social media networks. The primary basis of Merriam-Webster in proclaiming “science” to be its word of the year is the recorded number of searches on websites and search engines. Accordingly, “science” surged to a 176% increase in search hits compared to what it earned in the previous year.

John Morse, Merriam-Webster Inc. president and publisher who lives in Springfield Massachusetts said that “science” deserves to win as word of the year because it is a frequently used word. He added that in this age of computers and digital technology, “science” is always behind every story written about life and people’s daily struggles. Morse also pointed out that “science” is ever present in every little thing that affects the lives of people such as environmental degradation, global warming, climate change, among others. “Science” is mentioned in textbooks, news, magazines and other communication media. And although at times it may not be directly stated, its presence is revealed in everyday situations since life today is basically run through scientific principles.

Effect of science

“Selfie” may have influenced a lot of people to post their self-portraits in social networks, and yet science does more than just influence. Science, according to the Merriam-Webster publisher is associated with other realms of thoughts. It is linked with observation, analysis, intuition, ideology, reason, evidence, tradition and concept. Incidentally, science is featured in Malcolm Gladwell’s book “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants.” Gladwell is the author of a number of bestsellers. He usually writes about scientific thought, scientific theories and research. He writes for The New Yorker magazine where he contributes pieces about natural laws of life and how man must overcome setbacks using scientific means. Gladwell’s writings have specific references to science.

Technology

In Gladwell’s book, he points out that since the world is run by technology in the 21st century, people are in a way scientists on their own. Merriam-Webster lexicographer and editor Peter Sokolowski said that the author’s recommendations in his books illustrate the widespread effect of science today. Being a popular writer, Gladwell may not be a practicing scientist but he actively promotes science and scientists’ works in his writings.

Awesome word

John Silva, film maker and host of the show “Brain Games” on the National Geographic Channel said that “science” is an awesome word. Silva is a technology disciple and he encourages people to be scientifically minded. Learning that “science” was picked as word of the year by Merriam-Webster, Silva said, makes him very happy. For Silva, science and art are in opposite sides and through digital technology, information sharing is possible with just a click of a finger – all because of science. Silva believes the word has infinite power and it rules the earth and universe.

Science in the dictionary

When asked if people find inspiration and comfort in the word science, hence motivating them to look it up in the dictionary, Silva answered: “We bear witness to the astonishing capacities for scientific knowledge to aid us in transcending our seeming boundaries, to realize they’re not really boundaries.” The film maker and game show host has encouraged the people to continue appreciating the word “science” and the wonders that it brings to the world.

Photo Credit: Science apparatus