Comments
5 CommentsI'm pretty excited.
I just received the Oxford English Reference Dictionary for my birthday. In addition, I ordered a new Webster's New World College Dictionary for work.
Now, I know - we're all technologically advanced and we use the Internet for our etymology needs, but when the need for a large, thick, bound dictionary comes up - which one do you use?
Rich
Written Nov. 8, 2007 / Report /
The Webster's New World is one of my least favourite dictionaries. The etymological information is lacking, its syllable denotation is weird, and it has no worthwhile usage notes. Good definitions, though.
Personally, I'm a Merriam-Webster's (Collegiate Dictionary), er, user? Its usage notes are the best you'll get. And you get a free subscription to the site!
I don't think most people care what dictionary they use though. Or even understand how they differ. Which is sad, but that's their look out.
davidhayes
Written Nov. 8, 2007 / Report /
As you suggested, my large, thick, bound dictionary is probably Answers.com.
Were I to looks for a dictionary, money and portability being no object, I'd probably opt for the complete (and notorious) Oxford English Dictionary--though I would wait for the third edition before buying. Realistically, were I in the mood for a bound dictionary, I'd probably just pick something up from a used book store.
Like Rich said--this means I'm most people--I've never worried about difference among printed English dictionaries, though I don't doubt there are important ones.
Rich
Written Nov. 8, 2007 / Report /
As an addendum: For most people it doesn't really matter, which is fair enough. But I still think it's a shame more people aren't aware of the differences, at least.
Oli
Written Nov. 8, 2007 / Report /
If I had to have a "large, thick, bound dictionary", I'd print and bind the pages of an online resource. I've no need (or desire) for a great musty set of volumes doing the same (albeit slower) job of something I can access with a few keystrokes.
Cas
Written Nov. 8, 2007 / Report /
For the day-to-day I tend to rely on the OSX built in dictionary. It does most of what I need it to. After that, I might stray to an online dictionary like the Cambridge or Oxford versions.
However, I do have a copy of the Oxford Modern English Dictionary. I got it when I left prep school (age 13), it was signed by all my friends, and it is perfect for looking up the slightly more obscure words. When I was growing up there was an old(ish) copy of the OED on the bookshelves in the living room. It became something of a routine over Sunday lunch that we'd all get into a big argument about some word or other, and I'd be dispatched to look it up and settle things before things more dangerous than runner beans were thrown. It's left me with this need to have a physical dictionary around just in case!