Not according to dictionary.com - that says that the purpose of the dictionary is to provide information on meaning and correct usage of the word.
Also, Wikipedia refers to two types of dictionary: prescriptive and descriptive. But even the descriptive type should provide information on how the word is used, eg: "sometimes incorrectly used to mean 'figuratively'".
> Not according to dictionary.com - that says that the purpose of the dictionary is to provide information on meaning and correct usage of the word.
Wait, think a minute. That description exactly corresponds with what I said. The "correct" usage of a word is precisely, exactly what the speaker thinks it means, at that moment in time.
If a dictionary listed a definition that was not in use by anyone, that would be different -- that would be incorrect.
> Also, Wikipedia refers to two types of dictionary: prescriptive and descriptive.
Apart from the French example, it seems telling people how to use words has fallen out of fashion, giving way to another example of evolution by natural selection.
Also, Wikipedia refers to two types of dictionary: prescriptive and descriptive. But even the descriptive type should provide information on how the word is used, eg: "sometimes incorrectly used to mean 'figuratively'".