Any Dictionary recommendations?

**Raatt** · 12-06-2011, 10:33 AM

This is a question I have been wanting to disuss with someone for years. I keep a pocket book version of Webster's New World on my desk with a Websters Instant Spelling Dictionary. I find them lacking and can never tell from looking at a Dictionary on the shelf of a book store if it will be great or not. Does anyone have a Dictionary that they really love? I want a comprehensive, uptodate book, yet with historic origin information that is compact for easy handling, but wll be sitting on a desk so does not have to be microscopic. I would also like a good binding with some decent paper. Any suggestions...?

**Doc4** · 12-06-2011, 05:05 PM

Some version of the Oxford English Dictionary is probably what you are looking for.

The 'real' OED is 20 volumes and could fill a bookshelf, but the "shorter OED" is only (

) two large volumes. But probably what you are looking for is the "concise OED".

http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/genera...=9780199696123

**Gunney** · 12-06-2011, 05:10 PM

I second the Oxford Dictionary; You might find a Canadian English version, however I do recommend the normal British Version...

**Doc4** · 12-06-2011, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by Doc4

http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/genera...=9780199696123

I notice that the version I linked to is a reprint of the original first edition from about 90 years ago ... which may interest you more, or you may wish to seek out a more modern version.

**Dennard** · 12-06-2011, 06:37 PM

Another vote for the OED.

**franz** · 12-06-2011, 06:46 PM

OED. EOD. (end of discussion)

**Alraz** · 12-06-2011, 06:48 PM

Is there anything wrong with the web?

Al raz.

**Gammon** · 12-06-2011, 06:59 PM

I have a Webster's New World Collegiate, ca 1956 (I think). I wouldn't want any other.

**AGE** · 12-06-2011, 11:32 PM

+1 Oxford Concise beyond that your talking multiple volumes and a heavy hit to the wallet

**scottish steve** · 12-07-2011, 04:37 AM

The OED is the reference dictionary, without question. I had a Collins which was also good (one, large volume with 26,000 entries if memory serves me right) and not as cluttered as the OED.

**Sparafucile** · 12-07-2011, 06:34 AM

OED without a doubt - but I prefer the OED Shorter, a 2 volume set.

**awolff** · 12-07-2011, 06:41 AM

Internet

**Mike H** · 12-07-2011, 07:18 AM

I believe the newest copy available is the The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition November, 2011.

**Slivovitz** · 12-07-2011, 09:25 AM

As others have said, Oxford English Dictionary, 2 volume edition is nice to have around. Just to be clear, it contains the full text of the 20 volume version, but in very small print so that they quite literally include a magnifying glass with it. That, and the large size of the two volumes, make it a bit awkward to use without some table or desk space, so I tend to take mine out only when I want to look up historical, obsolete meanings for words.

Also I have a good old Webster's Unabridged, the size you see on its own reading stand in a public library. Most of the time, though, I have to admit that it's quicker to go to dictionary.com, and I even have the app for it on my iPhone. I prefer real books, but if you just need the information right now, then modern technology is nothing to sneeze at.

**Randy** · 12-07-2011, 10:21 AM

I have the OED (concise edition) on a bookstand and it works very well. It may be a bit large for your office, but at home its perfect. Personally, I'd get the full edition if the wife would allow it, but... As to electronic v.s print, I find getting online when I'm writing by hand annoying so I keep print copies at the office and at home. I tend to write mostly by hand with a fountain pen and good quality paper rather than on an electronic device unless there is only one option (like an Internet forum for example). The American Heritage quoted above is also good (I have an older copy at home as well, but it doesn't get used often) - if you wanted a single book edition that is a good choice...

- Randy

**xraygun** · 12-07-2011, 10:44 AM

Wish I had an OED, but did receive a nice Merriam-Webster Collegiate from my sister for Christmas just a few years ago. http://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Mer.../dp/B002QBZWYK

I enjoy it. She got me the pink goatskin and put my intials on it.

**Slivovitz** · 12-07-2011, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by Slivovitz

As others have said, Oxford English Dictionary, 2 volume edition …

You know, I'm beginning to worry seriously about my memory. What I have is actually the 1 volume complete edition, full text of the 1992 edition but as previously stated micro-graphically reduced and shipped with a magnifying glass. Cost me around $200 I think, but probably I shouldn't trust my memory on that either. Previous comments on ease of use still apply, but it does come in handy with obscure and archaic terms, or archaic meanings for words.

**Raatt** · 12-08-2011, 09:09 AM

great ideas all, thanks...

Again I am reminded I that have the internet at my finger tips...it never even occurred to me to go online. After a quick look I am with Randy, I think I would rather have an edition onhand. Dictionary.com...layers of gunk and advertizing and surprizingly not all that comprehensive. I could not even find "predicament". Your suggestions have givem me some ideas and I will go out into the wild and take a gander at a few of the consice editions...thanks for your input.