Abstract：For thousands of years, the compilation of ancient Chinese dictionaries has formed a fine tradition of pragmatic orientation, pursuance of an evidence-based foundation, and owned a reputation of both maintaining heritage and striving for innovation. When it came to modern and contemporary times, classic dictionaries, such as Ci Yuan, Ci Hai, Modern Chinese Dictionary, and Encyclopedia of China, have developed their respective expressions of spirit corresponding to each of these classic works. The spiritual manifestation of dictionary making demonstrated Chinese lexicographers’ core values and spiritual demeanor which serve as a powerful spiritual force. From the perspective of history, the gist of the spirit in Chinese dictionary scholars can be expressed as: the patriotic spirit of cultural responsibility, the optimization of preserving inheritance and pursuing innovation, the craftsman spirit of concentration and perseverance, and the dedication spirit of resisting external influence. In the new era, Chinese lexicographers are endowed with new missions. Faced with the challenges of new technologies, they would vigorously promote this spirit in dictionary compilation, improve the construction of lexicographic content, diversify the forms of lexicographic services, and further research commitment from theoretic exploration of lexicography to active application of lexicographic theories in language use.
