Webster's New Explorer Dictionary of Word Origins [Hardcover]

Merriam-Webster (Author, Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2004 | Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up

Written in a witty, conversational style, Webster's New Explorer Dictionary of Word Origins describes how some common and not-so-common words entered the English language and how their meanings evolved. Some, like icicle and wiseacre, came to us from other languages and have been transformed to create new words. Others, like workaholic, were coined only recently. The histories of these words are among many fascinating stories of how language is shaped by people and events. An invaluable resource for students and amateur etymologists alike, this volume provides both useful information and entertaining reading.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Merriam-Webster, Incorporated is America's oldest and most respected publisher of dictionaries and other language reference products. Our staff of full-time lexicographers is the largest in the country and our database of more than 16.5 million examples of words used in context is the most extensive in the world. With more than 170 years of accumulated knowledge and expertise this distinguished company represents a tradition that dates back to Noah Webster.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: Federal Street Press (June 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892859661
• ISBN-13: 978-1892859662
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.9 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #300,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Reference > Words & Language > Etymology
  • #21 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Reference & Nonfiction > Dictionaries
  • #57 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Reference > Words & Language > Vocabulary

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Features the histories of more than 1,500 English words, October 5, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Webster's New Explorer Dictionary of Word Origins (Hardcover)

Created and published in cooperation with the Editors of Merriam-Webster, this bargain edition of Webster's New Explorer Dictonary Of Word Origins features the histories of more than 1,500 English words. Presenting its alphabetically arranged entries in a down-to-earth, conversational style, cross-referenced for easy lookup and supplemented with a brief history of the English language, Webster's New Explorer Dictonary Of Word Origins is as amusing a resource as it is useful, for students and bibliophiles alike. Especially recommended for anyone striving to enhance their English vocabulary, since the background stories behind the words make for especially interesting mnemonics and other means to keep their definitions in mind.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Etymology sort of ho hum, January 3, 2007

By 

Anne R. Chida - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Webster's New Explorer Dictionary of Word Origins (Hardcover)

I love learning the origins of words. This was a very fun read, but somewhat limited, as would be expected for a smaller volume. Great choice for a starter book on word origins.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!, July 2, 2009

By 

F. Gannan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Webster's New Explorer Dictionary of Word Origins (Hardcover)

I got this book because I love learning and I had never learned about etymology so I was interested. What I found was facinating. It's odd but when you start to learn more about the words we use, how they come to be, and where they come from, you start to learn more about people in general. After a while you start looking at words in a whole new light. You start taking them apart and analizing each section and knowing that there is more to it than the meaning we use on the surface. Take the word DECIMATE. Why does it begin whith DECI which clearly means the number ten. You find out why in this book. This is a great book to start out with and you may find yourself addicted to it later on.