Chambers Dictionary (Hardcover)

by Editors of Chambers (Editor)
Key Phrases: travelling people, main entry word, adj riot, Native American, New Zealand, World War (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Completely revised and updated, and designed to be used more for finding the meaning, rather than the spelling, of a word, The Chambers Dictionary is the official dictionary for U.K. Scrabble tournaments and succeeds The Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English language (1952) and The Chambers English Dictionary (1988). It was published in the U.K. in 1993.

Changes from the 1988 edition include the front matter, which no longer provides a justification for Americans using a British dictionary, but rather a commentary on the importance of grammar and standard English. Other changes include a revised list of abbreviations, which reflects modern usage (e.g., labels for American Indian and West African have been added, the label for ablative has been deleted), and addition of a list of rules for English spelling. Main entries include derivatives, compounds, and phrases within a headword's etymological family (a signature characteristic of the Chambers dictionaries), cross-references (215,000), pronunciation keys, alternative forms of headwords, inflections, and part-of-speech and classification labels. Definitions (300,000) are generally ordered from the most common to least common, and abbreviations are alphabetized within the main A-Z text; there are no biographical entries. Appendixes include a list (with meanings) of first names; five pages of phrases and quotations from Latin, Greek, and modern foreign languages; the Greek and Russian alphabet; Roman numerals; books of the Bible; plays of Shakespeare; the chemical elements; temperature and measurement conversions; and international paper sizes.

The 25,000 new entries reflect modern usage (AIDS is now defined under its acronym rather than within the definitions for acquire), science and technology (added words include virtual reality, CD-ROM), current societal concerns (ecotourism, sexual harassment), and even American slang (rad, yo). In the Chambers tradition, definitions are clear, print is small but readable, boldface is effectively used to help find words, and an international focus is evident.

This is a superior dictionary that belongs on the shelves of academic and public libraries, alongside the various American Webster's --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Completely revised and updated to reflect current usage, the Chambers
Dictionary, Ninth Edition is packed with distinctive features, including a
new page design that makes it easier than ever to find the right word. With unrivaled coverage of English vocabulary, ranging from rare and archaic words to the latest slang and technical terms, and clear, accurate definitions, this latest edition of the Chambers Dictionary will find its place on every reference shelf.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1856 pages
• Publisher: Chambers; Ninth Edition edition (September 26, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0550101055
• ISBN-13: 978-0550101051
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.4 x 2.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #950,800 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quirky, but still best in price range - beats Oxford Concise, April 14, 2004

By	Traveler (New England) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Chambers markets itself as the best single volume dictionary. They're not lying.

With more than 1800 pages, 300,000+ definitions, and a high quality construction, this is the dictionary to buy in the $25 to $40 price range. Its nearest competitor (that I'm aware of) is the Concise Oxford Dictionary which is smaller and not nearly as well made with pages that feel as if they'll easily tear.

The Chambers dictionary, while useful to anyone wanting a large single volume with as many definitions as possible, is also perfect for smart college students on a budget with demanding academic loads, especially in English. If you're giving this as a gift, you'll likely want to keep that in mind. Someone who wants your typical Webster's "college dictionary" likely won't appreciate or need Chambers.

The one thing that makes Chambers stand out is its quirkiness. Take these defintions as an example:

mullet: a hairstyle that is short at the front, long at the back, and ridiculous all round

middle-aged: between youth and old age, variously reckoned to suit the reckoner

éclair: a cake, long in shape but short in duration

These kinds of definitions will either attract or repel buyers depending on how you like your dictionaries.

Overall, if you need a dictionary with some muscle this is the one. If you want a better one you'll need to start looking at multiple volume sets such as the "Shorter Oxford English Dictionary" (but _not_ the Webster's 3rd International which is severely dated in its definitions).

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS THE TRUE SUCCESSOR, November 14, 2002

By	reviewer (Zurich, Switzerland.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chambers Dictionary (Hardcover)

"The Chambers Dictionary" is not just the official reference dictionary for U.K. Scrabble competitions, it is the true successor of the famous 'Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary'. With more than 215,000 references and 300,000 definitions, this lexicon is (arguably) the most complete and the most comprehensive single-volume dictionary available in Queen's English. It is worth every cent you spend on it!
Misled by name, many people who rushed into buying 'The Chambers 21st Century Dictionary' instead of this one realized their mistake a little too late. And, I can understand their anger with Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd (for the confusing title which they mistook for the successor of the 'Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary'). Be sure not to be misled!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Publishers information, May 27, 2000

By	Jeff Young (Parkland, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chambers Dictionary (Hardcover)

Known instantly whenever its name is mentioned, this new edition of "The Chambers Dictionary" is one of the oldest single-volume dictionaries of its kind, drawing on a 166 year-old tradition of dictionary writing.

Hailed as the most comprehensive and current single-volume dictionary of international English, this newly revised edition contains over 215,000 references and 300,000 definitions. "'The Chambers Dictionary' is an official reference source for the board game Scrabble], its wide range of vocabulary provides unrivalled coverage for word game players, crossword solvers, and crossword compilers, as well as a treasure-trove of lexical delights for word lovers. "The Chambers Dictionary" has long been the choice of the discerning user of English and the preferred single-volume dictionary of academics, and professionals for its coverage of the English language from the Bible, and Shakespeare, to present day scientific, and technological vocabulary. Many new words and meanings have been added from today's world of information sciences, business, alternative medicine, and everyday life, including "cybercaf", "alpha-decay", "browser", "road rage", "birthing pool", and "reiki". With bold headwords, and clear type, the dictionary has the all the advantages of a modern, streamlined layout and makes information on words, phrases, and expressions easier to find, easier to read, and easier to understand. Special Features:

Etymological nesting of words show derivations, emphasizes linguistic links between words, and increases overall coverage

Prefaces include: "A short history of English", "Rules of English spelling" Selected phrases and quotations from Latin, Greek, and modern languages.

Appendices include: Pronunciation guide, Grammar and usage guide, punctuation, symbols, temperature, measurement and size conversions, Roman numerals, and Chemical Elements