Customer Reviews

The Concise Oxford English Dictionary: Thumb Indexed

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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).

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!

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.

Long have I lusted after the 20 volume set of the OED..unrequited lust, mad longings, gnashing of teeth and chewing of nails, checking my finances daily and always finding them lacking...finally I realized I'd have to marry into money, or win the lottery before I could attain to the object of my desires, so I decided to content myself with this book. And I am WELL contented ! This book deserves to be treated with the utmost respect...build a casket to contain it, line it with the finest silk, put a lock on it, chain it to the wall, and wash your hands before reading! It's a treasure, plain and simple..and cheap enough that you can afford to buy two, and let your dirty-fingered friends peruse the "public copy" that you maintain especially for them! BUY IT!! There IS no alternative!!