Customer Reviews

New American Webster Handy College Dictionary, 4th Edition (NewlyRevised)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this as a handy way to look up words I was unfamiliar with (BA English Lit) as I read. As I read a popular newsmagazine, a popular British murder mystery and watched a popular TV comedy, I looked up about a dozen words. Only about a third were listed, and a few of those had incomplete or erroneous definitions. VERY disappointing.

I guess this could help you spell.

I have a BA in History, but that doesn't mean I don't come across words I don't know. I wanted a handy, AUTHORITATIVE book for the nightstand for those odd words that come up in history texts (and, yes, novels). "Strake" is a good example (thank you Bernard Cornwell). That word is not in this book. Neither is the "F" word - ironically, the true touchstone of collegiate work. This book is good for the High School level, but would flunk for any college level. Sad, because Webster's hardcover collegiate is one of the best.

I discovered my small dictionary next to my computer was so old it didn't have the word I wanted to look up. I love my new Webster and it did have my word in it. Thanks.

Let's be clear: I'm reviewing "New American Webster Handy College Dictionary, 4th Edition (Newly Revised)". Amazon's crossed this dictionary's reviews with those of a thesaurus, and I hope Amazon is working on a correction.

The word "college" in the title is a saddening sign of the times. It might pass in a vo-tech school or a community college, but this one isn't for the Ivy League. In fact, I wouldn't recommend it as a primary resource for even a fairly advanced middle school pupil. Simply put, it's a short dictionary with limited paper to put definitions on. The cover describes the definitions as "clear", but "concise" would be more forthcoming.

Here's a simple example of what's wrong with this dictionary:

sup-pos"-i-ti'tious [pronunciation] adj. 1, pretended; spurious. 2, supposed. Also, sup"po-si'tious [pronunciation]

My problem here is that this dictionary missed the essential difference between the words suppositious and supposititious. The former essentially means "supposed", while the latter implies intent of fraud -- which in light of the publisher's claims for this dictionary seems strangely appropriate.

Excellent dictionary that isn't too big or heavy to carry. Print is easy to read without a magnifier. A great all-around dictionary for anyone!

My english Professor told me that I need to get a dictionary so that I don't misspell any words in the future. This is a great size and a good value for the money.

Foreign words and phrases use to have their own section. Now they've been included throughout the dictionary instead. I liked the old system better. Overall though, it's a good dictionary.

This isn't the best dictionary you can have. I've found a number of words already, in my short time of owning it, that are notably missing. However, for the price, it's pretty good.

Product arrived on time and was just what I was looking for. Not to bulky but perfect for my study needs.

I am learning to speak english and in my country there is not good dictionary of this kind. In the most to be lacking many words and is very dificult understand tha context for using any word and the rigth meaning. And this dictionary is perfect!! I am very happy for this purchase.