Concise Oxford English Dictionary: plain edition

Book Overview

The Concise Oxford English Dictionary is the most popular dictionary of its kind around the world and is noted for its clear, concise definitions as well as its comprehensive and authoritative coverage of the vocabulary of the English-speaking world. This reissue of the revised edition brings the tenth edition completely up to date by the addition of hundreds of new words and meanings taken from Oxford's renowned data collection programme, with a special focus on fast-changing areas of the language such as new technology, e-commerce, fashion, and youth culture. In addition there is a new 40-page section including information on countries and nationalities, alphabets and accents, weights and measures, and a games and puzzles wordfinder. There is also a new grammar guide and a section covering the language emerging through new technologies such as SMS.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198605722
• ISBN13: 9780198605720
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 1728 Pages
• Weight: 3.45 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Best one volume dictionary around.

I bought this dictionary for all my nieces and nephews this year. It's soooooooooo much better than any junky Webster's Collegiate dictionary. You can actually find the words you don't recognize.

one of the best dictionary

the explanations are easy to understand. the dictionary is pretty comprehensive and covers over 240, 000 words. and it is easy to use too.

Best value for the best English dictionary

I returned the Oxford English Reference Dictionary, and the Oxford Dictionary of English. Both are excellent reference books selling for the same price. The former has a noteworthy appendices. The latter is the most descriptive English dictionary (without an appendices) behind Oxford's world class 20 volume Dictionary of English.The Concise Oxford English Dictionary Thumb Index Edition was half the price and weight. This less expensive version contained the words EEPROM, i-Mode, and off-gas. The Oxford Dictionary of English did not have the first two words. The Oxford English Reference Dictionary did not list the three words.I needed a dictionary that would be no-nonsense, current on common words, and under $45CAN. With Chapter's September 2003 $10 discount coupon for purcases over $30, this was the dictionary to buy. And since I am Canadian residing in Canada, this dictionary contains the British spelling of words used in Canada.The Random House-Webster English Dictionary rivalled the Oxford Dictionary of English and was the only dictionary sold at Chapter's to have the word lauan. Unfortunately, the Random House-Webster is an American style dictionary which normally would not be used in Canada.

The other most important book I own

Next to the Rodale Synonym Finder, I simply couldn't write without this dictionary. It offers both British and American spellings, and it's very complete in its offerings. Ninety-five percent of the time, I will find what I'm seeking, no matter how arcane. The big plus is its offering of quirky British words not found in North American dictionaries (although, I confess, I do have a supply of those for occasions when the word I'm seeking is just too American ever to find its way into the Concise Oxford English.) An essential tool for anyone writing, whether it be a letter, a student essay, or professional pieces. The best!

Excellent everyday dictionary

Likes :- Its definitions are short, to-the-point, current, and extremely clear compared with other dictionaries - Its coverage is much more global compared to most American dictionaries - It doesn't pretend to be an encyclopaedia. (If I want an encyclopaedia, I'll GET one!)Dislikes (gripes really) : - Pronunciations are not given for all words. I understand the desire to save space; but the justification that this is acceptable because the dictionary is meant for native speakers is weak, IMO. If one is going to assume that a user knows the pronunciation of common words, why not also assume they know the meaning and not list these words altogether! - The IPA pronunciation system is hard to use.Overall : - An excellent desk dictionary which reflects the global state of the language at the end of the centuryNote : - This newest edition is a total revamp; it is based on the New Oxford Dictionary of English published in '98 but not sold in the U.S. The more controversial usage notes from the NODE have been removed (to its detriment).