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Group Evaluations / Dictionaries
[Listings followed by NF indicate my work]
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American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
Familiar Quotations
The New Fowler’s Modern English Usage
The Desk Standard Dictionary of the English Language
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 10th ed.
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus
The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Rev 4th ed.
OneLook Dictionaries
Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English
Random House Webster’s College Dictionary
Random House Webster’s College Thesaurus
Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus
Roget's International Thesaurus | NF
Webster's Dictionary of English Usage | NF
Webster's New Dictionary of Synonyms | NF
World Book Dictionary | NF
American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
Citation
American heritage dictionary of the English language. (4th ed.). ( 2006). Boston:
Houghton Mifflin.
Authority
Houghton Mifflin, one of the U.S.’s largest educational publishers, publishes this dictionary. It was assembled by the American Heritage Usage Panel, which consists of over 200 respected writers, scholars and scientists.
Format
Single hardcover volume (also available in online and on CD-ROM)
Scope
This dictionary provides definitions and other information of words in the English language. It contains more than 90,000 entries, and 4,000 photographs, drawings, and maps. It combines prescriptive and descriptive information.
Accuracy
Appears accurate when checked with other sources
Understandability
Clear writing, easy to understand.
Comprehensiveness
The dictionary includes an Indo-European section, and a Proto-Semitic Language and Culture section, along with thorough appendixes, World History Notes, Regional Patterns of American Speech section, Our Living Language Notes, and a lengthy usage section. Entries contain definitions, etymology, syllabication, pronunciation, variants, function, inflected forms, subject labels (such as guidance on usage), cross-references, illustrations, idioms, and other informative notes.
Currency
This is the most recent edition, published in 2006. It is fairly current.
Value-added features
Our Living Language Notes and Regional Patterns of American Speech provide over 100 regional notes that take in-depth look at vocabulary from different geographic areas of the United States and the dialects used.
Cost
$60
Familiar Quotations
Citation
Bartlett, J. Familiar quotations. (16th ed). (1992). Boston: Little/Brown.
Authority
Published by Little/Brown. They are respected publishing company for over a hundred year, who has published works from authors such as J.D. Salinger and Henry Kissinger.
Format
Hardcover volume (Also available online or CD-ROM)
Scope
This dictionary provides quotations for literary reasons, or just for entertainment. It has over 20,000 quotations, from 2,500 authors. Previous editions had most quotes from the bible or Shakespeare, however this edition lists 340 new authors who make up a larger percentage. This edition offers quotes from non-traditional sources, such as television, movies, politics, street slang, or advertising slogans.
Accuracy
Quotes appear accurate when checked with other sources
Understandability
Easy to understand and search through.
Comprehensiveness
This book is arranged by Preface, Guide to Use, Index of Authors, the Dictionary of Quotes, and Index. Authors are listed chronologically by date of birth. Entries contain a source line with title, date, or other important information. There are footnotes that supply more information about the quotation, such as the original text, name of translator, background comments, other quotations related in phrase or content, and cross-references to similar quotations that aren’t listed in the index.
Currency
This book was published in 1992. It is current in that quotes do not change, however background comments and information about the speaker may have changed. The user may want a book containing newer quotations from that last twenty years.
Value-added features
The Index of Authors lists pseudonyms, and page numbers for quotations or any mention in a footnote. The index lists quotations by keyword not topic
Cost
$50
The New Fowler’s Modern English Usage
Citation
Burchfield, R. W. The New Fowler’s modern English usage. (3rd ed). (1998). Oxford: Claredon Press.
Authority
The Claredon Press publishes this dictionary. It is a subsidiary of the Oxford University Press, the world’s largest university press. Claredon Press is known for printing the more scholarly works.
Format
Hardcover volume
Scope
This dictionary provides advice on all aspects of English language. It has thousands of entries containing examples from newspapers, journals, and periodicals among other sources. Entries are British, and American English, but also include English of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Accuracy
Quotes appear accurate when checked with other sources
Understandability
Easy to understand and search through.
Comprehensiveness
Prior to the actual dictionary, there are a Key to Pronunciation, Abbreviation and Symbols Guide, and Bibliographic Abbreviations Guide. Entries include definitions, pronunciation, form, tense, synonyms, historical reference, date first introduced, origin, cross-references, plural versions, and variant spellings.
Currency
This dictionary was reissued in 2004. There was a complete revision and expansion of the text, and is now more up to date than this version from 1998.
Value-added features
This dictionary includes issues of political correctness, influence of feminism on English literature, split infinitives, unattached participles, and other unexpected nuances of the English language.
Cost
$30
The Desk Standard Dictionary of the English Language
Reviewed in place of Funk & Wagnall’s New Standard Dictionary
of the English Language, which was not available
Citation
The desk standard dictionary of the English language. (1921). New York: Funk & Wagnall’s.
Authority
Published by Funk & Wagnall’s. They are well known for publishing reliable and easy-to-use reference sources, including encyclopedias and dictionaries.
Format
Single hardcover volume
Scope
The purpose of this dictionary is an abridgment of Funk & Wagnall’s New Standard Dictionary of the English Language. It provides definitions and other information on a variety of words and terms. It is a smaller size, appropriate for a desk in a home or office for quick browsing of popular words. It defines 450,000 words and phrases, and includes 7,000 illustrations, 40 of which are in color.
Accuracy
Quotes appear accurate when checked with other sources
Understandability
Easy to understand and search through.
Comprehensiveness
Prior to dictionary portion, is a users guide and a pronunciation key. Entries include definitions, syllabication, pronunciation, tables and lists, function, synonyms and antonyms alternative forms, etymologies, and additional notes.
Currency
This dictionary would have been good for what it was at the time. However it was published a very long time ago and although the definitions of most words are the similar, there has been a lot of new terminology and ideas since then.
Value-added features
This is a small, abridged dictionary, which seems to be it’s only special feature.
Cost
Used copies available for around $12
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 10th ed.
Citation
Merriam-Webster, Inc. (1993). Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary. Springfield,
Mass: Merriam-Webster.
Authority
Published by Merriam-Webster one of the foremost dictionary publishers in the country.
Format
Abridged. Print version. Is also part of the Merriam-Webster Online database.
Scope
Meant for high school, college students and the general public.
Accuracy
Definitions are accurate.
Understandability
Good for intended levels.
Comprehensiveness
Contains over 215,000 definitions in 1559 pages.
Currency
It is updated every few years. There is currently an 11th edition.
Value-Added Features
Includes pictures throughout and in back of book is sections for chemical elements, foreign words and phrases, biographical names, geographical names, signs & symbols, and a style guide. It also has an index.
Cost
Approximately $35.00
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus
Citation
Merriam-Webster, Inc. (1993). Merriam-Webster's collegiate thesaurus. Springfield, Mass: Merriam-Webster.
Authority
Published by Merriam-Webster one of the foremost reference publishers in the country.
Format
Reviewed print version.
Scope
The words are drawn from the Merriam-Webster 3rd International Dictionary.
Accuracy
Accuracy of synonyms is good, but not many are given in some cases.
Understandability
Entries have more information than in Roget’s so it is necessary to read the introductory material in order to understand all that is contained in the entries.
Comprehensiveness
Could be questionable. I ran across a review which said it was missing the words “vested” and also “anomaly”. Also, introduction mentions that they have omitted obsolete, rare, specialized, and technical jargon.
Currency
It is updated every few years so currency of a newer edition should be good.
Value-Added Features
It differs from Roget’s that it first gives you an explanatory phrase for the word, then a list of synonyms, related words, idioms, contrasted words, and also antonyms.
Cost
Approximately $20.00 for hardcover.
The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Rev 4th ed.
Citation
Knowles, E. (1999). The Oxford dictionary of quotations. Oxford: Oxford University
Press.
Authority
Published by the Oxford University Press, which is a department of the University of Oxford, England and is the largest and oldest university press in the world.
Format
Print copy of the 4th edition.
Scope
20,000 quotations
Accuracy
Each quote is carefully research and authenticated for accuracy, context, and background.
Understandability
Gives an introduction and a section on how to use all of it features.
Comprehensiveness
Easy to use and has a wide ranging types of quotes from ancient Egypt to the 21st Century. Entries are arranged alphabetic by author.
Currency
Updated every few years to stay current.
Value-Added Features
Has several sections such as special categories (ex. catchphrases, mottos), a thematic section (ex. food, marriage), and a keyword section. Excellent source for quotations.
Cost
$50.00
OneLook Dictionaries
Citation
http://www.onelook.com/
Authority
Little information about the origins of this site was available except that it was started in April 1996 and it was bought in 2002 by Doug Beeferman of the Datamuse Corp. who also owns other sites such as RhymeZone, Cinema FreeNet, Shakespeare Search and Lexical FreeNet. He is a computer scientist and is associated with Carnegie Mellon
Format
Free online website.
Scope
13,549,061 words in 1009 dictionaries indexed
Accuracy
It is basically a search engine of online dictionaries. When you enter a word you have a choice as to which online dictionary you want to connect with. Therefore, the accuracy would depend on which dictionary you go to. It does connect to some very reputable dictionary sites such as The Compact Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, 11th ed. as possible choices.Clicking on one of the dictionaries takes you to its site. OneLook does offer an box on the side with a quick definition if that is all you need.
Understandability
Depends on which dictionary you choose to use.
Comprehensiveness
Depends on which dictionary you choose to use.
Currency
Depends on which dictionary you choose to use.
Value-Added Features
There are general dictionaries, special dictionaries, and many foreign language ones as well. You can choose whether you want compact descriptions or verbose ones. You can sort your results by name, popularity, or word count. There are other options as well. There is a customizing page where you can choose and save them for future searches.
At this site you can define words, find words by using wildcards, or translate them into difference languages. They also have a reverse dictionary (in Beta) and a help page.
Cost
Free, but has ads.
Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English
Citation
Partridge, Eric. Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English. 8th ed. New York: Macmillan, 1984.
Authority
This dictionary is published by New York: Macmillan
Format
Hardcover volume
Scope
There are over 5000 entries, which include slang, colloquialisms, solecisms and catchphrases, nicknames and vulgarisms.
Accuracy
Words that I knew were accurate
Understandability
Because of the age of some the slang it was difficult to understand. There was a large amount of underworld and military slang. Seemed to have a lack of cultural understanding, most of the terms were not used today.
Comprehensiveness
At the beginning there was a list of bibliographical abbreviations and abbreviations and signs
Currency
There is a revised edition copyrighted in 2006, which is based on the one written by Eric Partridge edited by Tom Dalzell and Terry Victor. That one has more up to date information.
Value-added features
The newer edition had more terms and was not as culturally biased as the original
Cost
$57.95
Random House Webster’s College Dictionary
Citation
Random House Webster’s College Dictionary. 2nd ed. New York: Random House, 1999
Authority
Random House information group publishes this dictionary.
Format
Hardcover volume (also available in CD ROM)
Scope
It is a basic dictionary that’s very easy to use and has all of the fundamental parts of a dictionary including the parts of speech, phonetic symbols, origins and derivatives.
Accuracy
Definitions were accurate
Understandability
Definitions were clear and easy to understand.
Comprehensiveness
The CD ROM version of the dictionary contains over 200,000 entries so you would be hard pressed to not find the definition of a word.
Currency
The newest edition was published in 2005.
Value-added features
This dictionary includes a handy section of maps reflecting political and geographical changes worldwide.
Cost
$30
Random House Webster’s College Thesaurus
Citation
Random House Webster’s College Thesaurus. New York: Random House, 1997.
Authority
Random House information group publishes this thesaurus
Format
Hardcover
Scope
You will find synonyms for all types of terms. Synonym and antonym lists cover all levels of vocabulary, from formal to slang
Accuracy
All words checked appeared to be accurate
Understandability
All main listings in A-Z listing. Contains example sentences that show you an appropriate context for each meaning of each main entry term
Comprehensiveness
Contains 12,000 main entries, with synonym and antonym lists offering over 400,000 word choices.
Currency
The most recent edition was published in 2005
Value-added features
There is a Thumb Index that helps you find your way quickly to the word you're looking for.
Cost
$30
Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus
Citation
Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus. 3d ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1995.
Authority
This thesaurus is published by Houghton Mifflin
Format
Hardcover also available online and on your I-phone or I-pod touch
Scope
The thesaurus contains Clear, accurate definitions for every synonym group. Contains 35,000 listed and defined synonyms
Accuracy
All words checked appeared to be accurate
Understandability
Clear and easy to understand. Every synonym is defined to find precise meanings
Comprehensiveness
Every synonym is has been checked by the editors The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.
Currency
2003
Value-added features
Each reference contains a cross-reference to the Unique Category index. This index leads you from the word you start with to many others that are either related or opposite in meaning, so you have the greatest possibility of word choices.
Cost
$6.50
Roget's International Thesaurus | NF
Citation
Chapman, R. L. (1992). Roget's international thesaurus. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Authority
While known more for their fiction and non-fiction trade imprints, Harper Collins is still a well-respected publisher of reference materials.
Format
Print available in hard or soft cover.
Scope
This 5th edition contains more than 350,000 word and phrases.
Accuracy
Due to the fact that Roget's entries are based on the way in which words are used, it is the definitive thesaurus on the market today.
Understandability
The format of the entries aids the user in understanding not only the definition of the word, but also synonyms and their definitions.
Comprehensiveness
This edition covers 1073 categories which groups synonyms, antonyms and related words together. This enables the user to compare words without the time consuming cross-referencing required with alphabetical listings.
Currency
This 5th edition in up-to-date including 31 new categories that address such topics as fitness, substance abuse, sports, technology, etc.
Cost
At the time of publication, this volume sold for $17.95. Today the price is listed as $120 for the hardcover and $16.95 for the soft cover.
Webster's Dictionary of English Usage | NF
Citation
Merriam-Webster, Inc. (1994). Merriam-Webster's dictionary of English usage.
Springfield, Mass: Merriam-Webster.
Authority
This dictionary is published by Merriam-Webster, one of the industry's most respected dictionary publishers since 1937.
Format
This is available in hardcover, with 978 pages.
Scope
This is the complete guide for problems related to use of the English language with in-depth advice for writing problems or to settle disputes relating to issues such as spelling alternatives, idioms and grammar.
Accuracy
This reference tool can be trusted for accuracy as it comes from the most respected authority in dictionaries.
Understandability
The entries are written for the sophisticated reader, not talking down or condescending in tone. This is a reference tool for a lover of the English language who truly cares about using the language correctly.
Comprehensiveness
There are more than 2,300 entries with over 20,000 quotations that illustrate usage. There are special sections for history and pronunciation and alphabetical listings and cross-referencing.
Currency
This edition is fifteen years old, although a concise usage version was published in 2002 and is advertised as meeting most of the needs that this comprehensive volume is known for.
Cost
$27.95
Webster's New Dictionary of Synonyms | NF
Citation
Merriam-Webster, Inc. (1984). Webster's new dictionary of synonyms: A dictionary of discriminated synonyms with antonyms and analogous and contrasted words. Springfield, Mass., U.S.A.: Merriam-Webster.
Authority
This dictionary is published by Merriam-Webster, one of the industry's most respected dictionary publishers since 1937.
Format
Print in hardcover
Scope
There are 942 pages in a one-volume book.
Accuracy
All efforts have been made to clarify usage and intended meaning of each synonym listed. Quotations are used to highlight the proper context ensuing accuracy and proper usage.
Understandability
The entries are first listed with a brief common definition, which would be understandable even to the casual user.
Comprehensiveness
Following the definition, every discriminated word is listed in alphabetical order with antonyms and contrasted words also listed. Quotations and cross-referencing aid the user in understanding which synonym would best suit their needs. There are detailed discussions of each word in a group as well as listings of analogous word groupings.
Currency
The most current edition was published in 1984.
Cost
$75.00
World Book Dictionary | NF
Citation
World Book, Inc. (2007). The World Book dictionary. Chicago: World Book.
Authority
Published by World Book, Inc an industry leader in reference tools.
Format
This dictionary is organized in two out-sized volumes, A-K and L-Z.
Scope
These volumes contain 225,000 words in addition to 3,000 illustrations that help clarify the definitions.
Accuracy
By nature of the publisher, the accuracy of the words defined is guaranteed.
Understandability
The definitions are clear and concise, understandable by even the most casual user.
Thumb tabs marked with a letter make finding words quicker and easier. The typeface, sans-serif Spectra was chosen after considerable testing for its readability. Entries and cross-references are in bold for clarity.
Comprehensiveness
The World Book Dictionary is much more that a repository for definitions. There is a simplified pronunciation key, a section on ‘Where English comes from’, a section on prefixes and suffixes, spelling hints and a list of commonly misspelled words. There is a section on parts of speech, capitalization and punctuation rules, and vocabulary
inventories broken down by grade level from 3 – college. All in all, there are 124 pages of additional information relating to words and how they are used.
Currency
This set of dictionaries is updated every two years.
Cost
$99.00 when purchased separately or they can be bundled together in a variety of reference packages.