Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus: Updated & Expanded 2nd Edition (21st Century Reference) [Mass Market Paperback]

Barbara Ann Kipfer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0440235138 | ISBN-13: 978-0440235132 | Publication Date: July 13, 1999

Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus enables users to learn and make sense of words in a way no other thesaurus does, with:

•17,000 main words, alphabetically listed, with parts of speech and concise definitions, for convenient, at-a-glance decision making.
•450,000 synonyms, more than any other thesaurus
•A versatile, thorough compilation of words and phrases - from slang to common usage - to the most erudite of word choices.
•Hundreds of recently coined and common Americanisms
•A unique Concept Index to find words with only one concept in mind, rather than a specific word. This process of linking words together mirrors the way we actually think.

With its innovative Concept Index, this thesaurus enhances the traditional function of thesauri; the simple replacement of one word with another. The Concept Index enriches users' understanding of meaning and usage by grouping together main entry words that share a similar idea or property - achieving broad connections of language between such categories as: ACTIONS, CAUSES, LIFE FORMS, QUALITIES, SENSES, etc.

The essential reference for the 21st century, this is the most up-to-the-minute thesaurus of American English today. students, professionals and general users will love its easy-to-use dictionary format and will find its reliable, accurate word choices indispensable.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Roget's is probably as popular a name for lending authority to thesauruses as Webster's is for dictionaries. Although this new version is not the direct descendant of the original, it follows the now-popular dictionary format for its 17,000 main entries ( abandon - zoom ) and provides other innovations as well. The part of speech, very brief definition, synonyms (over 450,000), and references to an 837-term Concept Index are indicated for each entry. Words in the Concept Index are arranged under categories, e.g., actions, causes, and objects, and assist in generating alternative word choices through meaning to word searches. Antonyms are not included, but synonyms representing nonstandard usage are noted. The lexicographer-author's selections reflect contemporary usage, gender sensitivity, and recently evolved words. This current and uncomplicated thesaurus is highly recommended for all libraries.
- Stanley P. Hodge, Ball State Univ. Lib., Muncie, Ind.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Exceptional... unique words and  groupings... This resource is a gem!" --  Booklist.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 976 pages
• Publisher: Dell (July 13, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440235138
• ISBN-13: 978-0440235132
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #823,021 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The easiest one to use of the bunch, August 29, 2001

By 

StevieQ (Castro Valley, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus: Updated & Expanded 2nd Edition (21st Century Reference) (Mass Market Paperback)

I've bought several thesauri over the years, including good ole Roget's International, but this one by Barbara Kipfer is by far my favorite because it strikes just the right balance between ease of use and comprehensiveness. Roget's International is undoubtedly the king still for comprehensiveness. Unfortunately, Roget's International is also the most onerous to use, so much so that I rarely ever touch it anymore. Other thesauruses on the market in dictionary format, such as Roget II or Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Thesaurus, are very easy to use, but unfortunately they have few synonyms under each entry. This thesaurus by Kipfer, on the other hand, is just right. I give it five stars.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An ocean of words I enjoy swimming in!, January 26, 2001

By 

Myrr (Midwest, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus: Updated & Expanded 2nd Edition (21st Century Reference) (Mass Market Paperback)

"Thesaurus" is Latin for "treasury", but all the editions that I came across in my long search of a good one had been anything but. They were either too bulky or too brief, severely abridged or arranged by concepts (!) with alphabetical index at the end. Looking for the right word in these circumstances caused me excruciating pain, both mental and physical. I was in great danger of being sucked in by a tornado of strange, confusing, irrelevant words.

Thankfully, I discovered this book. And what a treasury it is! The dictionary format, 450,000 entries, 1 million word results, a wonderful concept index on the back which shows how a word fits into a pool of similar ones - these are only some of the many highlights of this edition. Not only do I keep it by my side every time I sit down to write, but often look into it for pure pleasure, partaking of the wealth it stores.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The greatest thesaurus ever!, September 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus: Updated & Expanded 2nd Edition (21st Century Reference) (Paperback)

I've been searching for a good thesaurus for 10 years (no kidding). This is the best one I've ever found anywhere! Under the word "Run," there are 6 word usages, each with about 10-20 synonyms (other thesauruses have as few as 3 synonyms total). Easily navigable, great word listings. A fantastic reference tool.