Webster's New World Dictionary and Thesaurus [Hardcover]

Editors of Webster's New World Dictionaries (Author), Charlton Laird (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764563394 | ISBN-13: 978-0764563393 | Publication Date: May 20, 2002 | Edition: 2

Completely revised from the previous edition.

Increased page count

More dictionary entries - 61,000 total

13,000 thesaurus entries

3,000 new dictionary terms, such as biscotti, dot.com, gene therapy, home page, no-brainer, portobello mushroom, skybox, surgicenter, veggie

Revised design affords greater readability, with use of custom fonts

Based on the authoritative Webster's New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

The first and only American reference book of its kind, this outstanding Webster's New World dictionary is also a thesaurus! Based on the universally acclaimed Webster's New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition, and Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus, it combines the best features of both in a single, easy-to-use volume.

Through decades of linguistic research, Webster's New World editors have crafted a uniquely modern guide to American English. The dictionary segment of this volume includes 61,000 entries providing clear, precise, and reliable definitions of all of today's most commonly used words. Widely used scientific, technical, professional, and business terms are included, as well as common abbreviations. Word derivations are provided to help you better understand the language and its use.

All the dictionary entries in this volume appear in the top portion of each page. In the bottom portion are the corresponding thesaurus entries. These list a wide array of synonyms that can add variety to every type of writing. Students, writers, speakers, editors, crossword puzzle buffs - anyone who has a need for just the right word - will find these entries uniquely helpful and easy to use.

From the Back Cover

Discover the Dictionary That's Also a Thesaurus!

Unique in concept and design, this groundbreaking resource combines two great Webster's New World reference works in a single volume. Dictionary entries and corresponding thesaurus entries appear together on each page, so you can check the spelling and definitions of a word and also research its synonyms - all at a single glance.

On every page you'll find

A Dictionary
* Concise, readable, up-to-date definitions
* Clear, accurate pronunciation and usage information
* Widely used scientific and technical terms
* Over 14,000 etymologies for greater understanding

A Thesaurus
* Lists of helpful, concrete examples
* Synonyms clearly keyed to dictionary entries
* Cross-references for even more information

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 768 pages
• Publisher: Webster's New World; 2 edition (May 20, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764563394
• ISBN-13: 978-0764563393
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 1.8 x 9.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Thesauruses

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great dictionary/thes. for teaching English as a Second Langauge, January 3, 2007

By 

Caroline Dempsey "Caroline" (Helena, AL United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Webster's New World(tm) Dictionary and Thesaurus, Second Edition (Paperback)

I used this book with intermediate/ advanced English speakers as an ESL teacher. My fav feature is having a thesaurus listing for most words on the bottom of the dictionary page - this helps vocabualry acquisition. I've used this book on 2 continents, and my only complaint is that it's a bit bulky for mailing overseas or carrying to class, everyday. As a desk reference, however, this book is great. It also contains a pronunciation key for each word with IPA symbols. The definitions are simple and easy to comprehend.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for all writers and students., October 16, 2005

By 

Carol Robb "Handwriting Lady" (Mt. Prospect, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Webster's New World(tm) Dictionary and Thesaurus, Second Edition (Paperback)

What makes this particular resource so valuable is that each page of the book has the dictionary section on top and the thesaurus section on the bottom. So, if you're looking up the definition of a word you don't have to hunt around in another section of the book for a similar word - it's on the same page.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Sadly Lacking, July 21, 2009

By 

Richard C. Sovish "scepticus" (Danville, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Webster's New World Dictionary and Thesaurus (Hardcover)

I purchased this book as a bedside companion for quick look ups of new words while reading non fiction or novels. Like most things that try to be two things at once it fails. It is neither a good dictionary, being too limited in scope, and not the the best thesaurus for the same reason. Many of the words I have looked up do not appear at all, and they were not that esoteric. So I find myself going back to my old American College Dictionary and International Thesaurus repeatedly. I can understand why it is recommended by teachers of young children and people who are not proficient in English, but for a bright high school or college student it is way too limited. I do not recommend it and am looking for something well beyond the basic.