The Concise Oxford English Dictionary: Thumb Indexed [Hardcover]

Judy Pearsall (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 12, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0198602871 | ISBN-13: 978-0198602873 | Edition: 10

The Concise Oxford English Dictionary is the most popular dictionary of its kind and is noted for its clear, concise definitions as well as its comprehensive and authoritative coverage of the vocabulary of the English-speaking world. This reissue of the revised 10th edition features a rebranded jacketillustrating the new series design for the Oxford English dictionary lineand a new title emphasizing the Pockets close association with the Oxford English Dictionary.
The Concise OED, 10/e is completely up-to-date with the addition of hundreds of new words and meanings taken from Oxfords renowned data collection program, and a special focus on fast-changing areas of language such as new technology, fashion, and youth culture. There are more than 240,000 words, phrases and definitions that cover current and historical English as well as numerous specialist and technical areas. In addition, there is a new 40-page section including information on countries and nationalities, alphabets and accents, weights and measures, and a games and puzzle wordfinder.
At $29.95 and over 1,700 pages, the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, 10/e is accessible to anyone who wants a pithy, comprehensive, and authoritative dictionary of current English.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Judy Pearsall edited the highly acclaimed New Oxford Dictionary of English, and is the Managing Editor for all Oxford's English Dictionaries.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1696 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 10 edition (August 12, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198602871
• ISBN-13: 978-0198602873
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,523,740 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent everyday dictionary, December 16, 1999

By 

W. Poon (CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Concise Oxford English Dictionary: Thumb Indexed (Hardcover)

Likes :

- Its definitions are short, to-the-point, current, and extremely clear compared with other dictionaries

- Its coverage is much more global compared to most American dictionaries

- It doesn't pretend to be an encyclopaedia. (If I want an encyclopaedia, I'll GET one!)

Dislikes (gripes really) :

- Pronunciations are not given for all words. I understand the desire to save space; but the justification that this is acceptable because the dictionary is meant for native speakers is weak, IMO. If one is going to assume that a user knows the pronunciation of common words, why not also assume they know the meaning and not list these words altogether!

- The IPA pronunciation system is hard to use.

Overall :

- An excellent desk dictionary which reflects the global state of the language at the end of the century

Note :

- This newest edition is a total revamp; it is based on the New Oxford Dictionary of English published in '98 but not sold in the U.S. The more controversial usage notes from the NODE have been removed (to its detriment).

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The other most important book I own, April 28, 2001

By 

Charlotte Vale-Allen (CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Concise Oxford English Dictionary: Thumb Indexed (Hardcover)

Next to the Rodale Synonym Finder, I simply couldn't write without this dictionary. It offers both British and American spellings, and it's very complete in its offerings. Ninety-five percent of the time, I will find what I'm seeking, no matter how arcane. The big plus is its offering of quirky British words not found in North American dictionaries (although, I confess, I do have a supply of those for occasions when the word I'm seeking is just too American ever to find its way into the Concise Oxford English.) An essential tool for anyone writing, whether it be a letter, a student essay, or professional pieces. The best!

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars eating crow isn't too bad with a dab of mustard, December 9, 2002

By 

andy vertrees (IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Concise Oxford English Dictionary: Thumb Indexed (Hardcover)

okay, i am capricious. I lavished praise on the scribner bantam dictionary, which is still a good value, but the concise oxford is wonderful. I love everything about it. I think i shall read it straight through.