Descriptive lexicography is the practice of compiling dictionaries that reflect how words are actually used in a language. It focuses on documenting the meanings, pronunciations, and usages of words based on real-world examples rather than prescribing rules about how they should be used. This approach helps capture the evolving nature of language. In contrast to prescriptive lexicography, which sets standards for language use, descriptive lexicography aims to provide an accurate representation of a language at a specific time. It often includes various sources, such as literature, spoken language, and media, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of word usage in contexts.