Sõnast

Sõnast is a term used in Estonian lexicography to refer to the content of a dictionary, or more generally to the collection of word entries that make up a lexicon. A typical Sõnast entry centers on a lemma—the base form of a word—and provides information such as part of speech, one or more meanings or senses, pronunciation, inflectional or morphological information, etymology, usage notes, and example sentences. In bilingual or multilingual dictionaries, each entry also includes translations or equivalents in other languages.

Sõnast organization varies by project. In traditional monolingual dictionaries, entries are arranged alphabetically and linked by cross-references. Digital dictionaries store data in structured formats and may employ linguistic databases, enabling advanced search, disambiguation, and morphological analysis. Sõnast development is part of broader lexicography, the science of compiling and describing word inventories.

Types of Sõnast include monolingual dictionaries for native speakers, bilingual or multilingual dictionaries for learners or translators, and terminology dictionaries for science, technology, and specialized domains. The content of Sõnast evolves with language use, noting neologisms, loanwords, and shifts in meaning. In Estonia, as in many other languages, the Sõnast is supported by linguistic research institutions, language policy, and digital resources, facilitating language education, natural language processing, and cultural heritage preservation.

See also: Lexicography, Dictionary, Lemma, Linguistic corpora.