Customer Reviews

Webster's New World Dictionary and Thesaurus

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Readable and useful. I have used this with my own children and students - It is nice having a hardbound book with all that is needed in it rather than using 2 volumes. Clear Print and up-to- date

Book is very useful having a two in one saves time on lookin for thesaurus or worrying about where your dictonary is

If you do a lot of reading or any writing;you can't get far without a good Dictionary to start with;then you'll also need a good Thesaurus to follow through.But, which of the many to choose? I have several of each,but this one is different,and I will probably keep it handy because it will serve my purposes ,most of the time.I know ,at times it will not meet all my needs;but in those cases,I can turn to the bigger ones.
The layout of this book is very ingenius (see,The proper spelling is "ingenious" and another word which gives similar meaning is "skillful"--all on the same page).
The thing that makes this book different ,is that each page is split; with the dictionary part at the top of the page and the thesaurus at the bottom. Thus,one need only to make one search for both.An alternate would be to have the Dictionary at the front ,with the Thesaurus at the back---not nearly as handy.
Another plus with this book is that the paper,printing and construction is very good for a paperback edition. The one thing with a paperback dictionaty is that the binding can weaken and break with a lot of use. This one looks pretty good and even lies open very well.Tugging at individual pages,they seem very well adhered to the binding.However; time and use will tell;but I suspect it will serve very well for personal use.Also,with respect to paperback Dictionaries,the paper is often very poor,more suitable for newspapers or mass market "Dimestore Novels"; and with the print size too small and poor contrast with the cheap paper.This is very important when thumbing through pages searching.I find flipping through this one excptionally good;and that has to be because of the heavy paper. The paper is heavy,very white and the print is large enough,assisted by the high constrast.The first thing that impressed me was how sharp and clear the printing was;and it hit me as soon as I opened it.
There are a lot of other good features to this combined Dictionary/Thesaurus ,and I am sure I will find more as I use it. So,if you are thinking of purchasing a Dictionary or Thesaurus or both make sure you consider this combined one;it should serve the purpose very well,for most people.
Oh yes,another excellent feature of this book is that it lies open when flat;quite unusual for a paper bound book.

My son, of 44 years old has ADHD. His letters to me over the last 25 years have been at 3rd grade level. Even with special ed and etc...his spelling and writting, not to mention understanding similiatries between words, was very poor. He requested a dictionary so, I sent him one. He's in prison and did not have one to use, nor are they allowed to borrow. Very strict rules. Since he got the dictionary, not only has his spelling improved, his writting,structuring the sentences improved, but he now has learned words from the Thesaurus easily, that help him get his point across. Just having to look for the spelling, seeing other words that he has not used before has been exceptional for him. I'm sooo thankful I got this book. He's taking classes for welding and also language and this has deffinately made a difference for him and increased his word power. Thanks again Amazon for making it so easy to get it to him.

This dictionary and thesaurus is very basic, not realy that helpfull for college. I do like having the thesaurus available right there though.

I love my new Webster's dictionary and thesaurus in one book. This is so handy for writing fiction and non-fiction articles and it would be helpful for high school and college students. The only problem is, it is a little heavy to carry in a back pack. The book also includes weights and measures, along with city, state, national and presidential information at the back of the book. If your looking for a good reference book, I highly receommend this book.
Sally

Since my classes require lots of in class papers I found this book to be quite helpful. It is not very large and heavy and also includes a thesaurus! I am very glade with my choice!