Book Description
A new edition of America's best-selling dictionary! A red Kivar bound, plain-edged version featuring more than 225,000 clear and precise definitions, 700 illustrations, and more than 10,000 new words and meanings. Special sections include a Handbookof Style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (61)

Dictionary
The book came in right on time and it was in good shape.Thanks

MW Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed.
Being a long-time user of earlier editions of this dictionary, it was my choice when I purchased it for my grandson as a gift.
He is using it, which was the point.An easy to use source, reference, and means of growing his language proficiency.
I recommend it highly.

Great Dictionary
The dictionary is great.Lots of words with concise definitions.Had a problem getting it here as the first shipment was temporarily lost by DHL.

Just what was needed
This dictionary was just what was needed, neither too few words nor too much detail for everyday use.

Dictionary
Was very pleased with this purchase and was much cheaper than the very same Dictionary at Wal*Mart. Have used it at least a dozen times since.

Karen C. Haehnlein ... Read more

Book Description
A new edition of America's best-selling dictionary! This laminated, plain-edged version features more than 225,000 clear and precise definitions, 700 illustrations, and more than 10,000 new words and meanings. Special sections include a Handbookof Style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (59)

Happy with purchess
Very nice looking Dictionary.Always good to have a dictionary in your home.Never liked the smaller more handy dictionaries with a condensed word list.One day a word will bedevil you and you'll be gad to have the answer within reach.

Is a very good dictionary
We used it in our job.This dictionary is very specific.It has 15,700,000 citations from which their lexicographers chose 10,000 new words, for a total of 165,000 entries and 225,000 definitions.
The most interesting option is the date feature. Paging through the words attributed to a particular year is a definite retrospective of recollections.The most interesting option is the date feature. Paging through the words attributed to a particular year is a definite retrospective of recollections.
Manuel

Merriam-Webster's dictionary
What do I ned to say? It is a wonderful dictionary, thank you...Oh, your prices are fair.

Best regards,

Anthony G. Maglio

Outstanding reference volume
This is the only dictionary you will need as a writer of general publications. Other than that, buy the Webster's Unabridged and the Oxford English Dictionary if you are a real etymologist.

Mostly good
I'm not sure how much this has changed from the previous edition, since it's hard to tell based on casual use, but this isn't quite as easy to use, because it doesn't have the indentations on the pages to allow you to easily find certain letters, the biographical section, the geographical section, etc. On the other hand, the laminated cover is nice, without the messy dust jacket that got tattered on the previous edition. ... Read more

Product Description
International Dictionary -Hardback -894-Page -9-1/8"x12-7/8" -^:^- Unabridged International Dictionary features more than 472,000 entries, 200,000 usage examples, 3,000 pictorial illustrations and more than 1,000 synonym articles. Thumb indexed. Hardbound. Includes a free one-year subscription to the new Merriam-Webster Unabridged Web site. Contains 2,783 pages. -^:^- Product #: MER1 -^:^- Manufactured By :. Merriam-Webster HardbackAmazon.com
If big is better, the unabridged Webster's Third New International Dictionary is among the best. Weighing 12.5 pounds and measuring 4 inches thick, its 2,662 pages define more than 450,000 words spanning "a" to "zyzzogeton," including words ("disselboom" for instance) not found in other dictionaries, plus clear definitions, comprehensive etymologies, interesting asides, literary usage quotes, and a comfortable typeface. More than 150 years of accumulated scholarship helped collect the 10,000,000 usage examples that accurately provide definitions, and $3,500,000 went into producing this impressive volume. With Webster's Third you get a lot of dictionary for your money. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (70)

Advanced Search feature
I purchased Wesbster's New Int'l Dictionary on software only for using the advanced search feature. I was disappointed. I expected a better performace.

The best purchase I've made in awhile...
What a great resource for anyone to have... from kids to grandparents.I can't imagine any word that's not in this mammoth of a book.Aside from all the wonderful information it also looks very classy.No regrets here!

DO NOT BUY THIS DICTIONARY
SINE I BOUGHT THIS IN APRIL, 2007, IT HAS MALFUNCTIONED: TRYING TO GO ONLINE LOCKS UP THE PROGRAM WHICH HAS TO BE SHUT DOWN BY CTRL-ALT-DELETE.
IT PRINTS PHONETIC SYMBOLS RIDICULOUSLY. IT WILL NOT PRINT BUT GIVES ERROR MESSAGES INSTEAD. I SPENT TWO DAYS ON THE PHONE WITH THEIR "TECHNICIAN" WHO SOLVED ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. THEY AGREED TO A REFUND WHEN I SENT THEM BACK THE PRODUCT WHICH I DID IN EARLY JUNE, WITH A RECEIPT PROOF FROM THE USPS. AS OF 08-15-07, I HAVE RECEIVED NO REFUND AND THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE THE COURTESY TO ANSWER MY EMAILS.

Dictionary review
I bought this unabridged dictionary for my grandson who is going into high school.I knew about the product before I purchased it on Amazon.Amazon's price was the best, service great as usual, and delivery arrived when they said it would.

The whole transaction gets 5 starts *****!

A fascinating read!
I carried this wonderful tome along on my last backpacking trip in the Sierra. Boy, was I glad I had brought it! We got stuck in snow in one of those trailside shelter thingys for three days. My significant porter and I took turns bashing each other all over with it, not for any kind of kinky thrill, mind you, simply just to fend off cold and boredom. After we had done with breaking it in, we opened it to the letter M and used it as a pillow-for-two! It was really just serendipity that I brought it along in the first place--we had decided to leave the gaz backpacking stoves at home in order to practice our foraging skills. Since I had a little extra space I tucked it under the rubber chicken and ankle weights.
On the third day, we decided to use some of the grammar appendix to kindle a little warm-up flame. During snowbound days, we read definitions to each other. I recommend this book for any serious camper. ... Read more

Product Description
This 1828 facsimile reprint of the first American Dictionary documents the quality of Biblical education which raised up American statesmen capable of forming our Constitutional Republic. Webster traced roots in twenty-six languages, and gives examples from classical literature and the Bible. Comprehensive introductions are presented for language and grammar. It has been described by one Christian scholar as "the greatest reprint of the twentieth century." The added biography by Rosalie Slater, "Noah Webster, Founding Father of American Scholarship and Education," describes his contribution to many fields and records his conversion to Christ. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Back to the basics
I recommend this treasure as a basic principle, a necessity for understanding the sundry roots of the English language. Websters First Edition is masterful and generous with word etymology. Here we have a great companion to classic American literature. I personally find it a great help while studying the King James version of the bible. I truly recommend this dictionary, It's worth it's weight in gold.

E.W.Campbell

Just what we needed
We loved this product. This was the only one we could find anywhere and it holds a bundle of definitions. it does have religious intonations, but that was what we were looking for because religion was such a focus in 1828. It is a lovely edition and can easily be displayed and look lovely.

A very good classic dictionary
Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary is a very good classic dictionary
that gives definitions to some words you won't find in the Oxford English
Dictionary. It is well worth it!

Best American English Dictionary ever!
Whenever I want to know what the "TRUE" definition of a word is (not some politcally-correct, smoothed-over definition you find in current dictionaries), I go to this great treasure. Every American home should have one of these jewels, and it should be kept front and center somewhere, preferably displayed open so that it can be accessed and used readily (it will tend to get used more often that way too). Yes, it is kind of expensive, but how much are truthful and accurate word definitions worth to you? In a day and age where people are making up their own definitions to suit themselves (example; remember Bill Clinton saying ".... it all depends on what your definition of "is" is!? Lawyers also like play free and loose with words.), it is more necessary than ever before. This book will take you back to the roots of truth this country was founded on.

The Best Dictionary for theKing James Bible
It is very excellent dictionary for the English.
But that is American EnglishnotBritish. ... Read more

Book Description
THE MOST USEFUL AND AUTHORITATIVE DICTIONARY YOU CAN OWN—FOR YOUR DESK AND YOUR COMPUTER

Selected by the Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and other leading newspapers as their official dictionary of choice.

THE BEST DICTIONARY IN PRINT

Definitions That Set the Standard for Clarity

Up-to-Date Entries

Nearly 7,500 new entries reflecting changes in technology, society, world politics, and more.

Detailed Illustrations

Over 850 drawings, photographs, and maps.

Extensive Reference Information

Tables, charts, and lists of useful data plus important historical documents and a guide to punctuation.

Thousands of Geographical and Biographical Entries

The people and places that shape our world. Entries are part of the A-Z body of the dictionary, so they are easy to find.

Full-Color Atlas of the World

Detailed and up-to-date maps of the continents and countries of our world.

Notes, Examples, and Synonyms

The help you need to choose words precisely and avoid usage pitfalls.

The Definitive Guide to American English

More unique Americanisms—nearly 12,000—than any other college dictionary.

THE HARDEST WORKING

ELECTRONIC DICTIONARY AND THESAURUS

Sophisticated Word Search

Search for words or combinations of words. Display definitions, synonyms, or both. Find related words quickly.

Instant Word Help

Point to any word on the computer screen and bring up a definition —immediately.

Expanded Spell-Checking

Add thousands of new words to your spell-checker to enhance its usefulness and speed. The only

electronic dictionary that displays definitions while spell-checking.

System Requirements:

Windows® 95,98, ME, NT® 4.0, 2000, XP

IBM-compatible Pentium 100 or higher

8 MB RAM

20 MB hard disk space (Minimal installation);

140 MB (Full installation)

800 x 600 resolution2x speed CD-ROM drive ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Must Have For College!
This is an excellent resource. The disc is great and can be downloaded into your computer. I don't know how I survived first semester without it!

brand new
it came sealed and i gave it as a gift, so i havent opened it.

tiptop
an outstanding work at a bargain price. if i could have bought but one book in recent months, this should have been that one.

Websters: easy, fast and complete
I just loved this dictionary, it's easy to find the words in the book and easier in de computer (cd-room). It's very complete and the material it's good too.

And more, I received the product very fast and well packed.

Recommended for translators - I love the CD
I translate documents into English from Portuguese and Spanish. This dictionary was highly recommended by a group of my colleagues. Quality writing in the target language is vital. For example, it's important to see what the cognate of the foreign language term really means in English. I hadn't paid much attention to my choice of English dictionaries except to buy a giant Random House unabridged, but this is much more useful AND the CD makes it so practical (although I'd probably benefit ergonomically from leaving the keyboard, picking up a hardbound book, and looking up a word!) ... Read more

Product Description
A completely revised new edition! This best-selling language reference covers the core vocabulary of everyday life. More than 75,000 definitions. Includes pronunciations, word origins, and synonym lists. Special sections and tables. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

great dictionary
This is a great dictionary and easy to use.It is very up to date, is clear and precise and has over 60,000 entries.Also it is very compact and easy to carry around.I use it at least twice a week.

Everyone needs a dictionary
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary)
I needed a compact dictionary, and this has been very good for my studies. I think everyone needs a good dictionary to help with spelling and to increase vocabulary.

Great dictionary
How neat is this; I'm reviewing a dictionary!

Anyway, this dictionary is a must-have for all households...Whether to improve your vocabulary, or to look something up...The possibilities are endless! It's very nice looking up words the old-fashioned way rather than searching it online, and sometimes it's nice just browsing through it.

This is great for children.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary is just the right size.
I gave this book/dictionary a FIVE star rating because of the number of words contained and for the handy size. It is the paperback edition.

practical and rich content
I am so happy with this little dictionary for my son who is in 4th grade. None of the thesaurus or dictionaries I had bought him could bring quick and complete answers to his word searches. this is a must! ... Read more

Product Description
10th Edition Collegiate Dictionary -7-1/4"x9-7/8" -Red -^:^- New Eleventh Edition of America's best selling dictionary merges print, CD-ROM, and online formats to deliver unprecedented accessibility and flexibility at one affordable price. Fully revised with more than 225,000 clear and precise definitions and more than 10,000 words and meanings. Includes and easy-to-install Win/Mac CD-ROM and free one-year subscription to the new Collegiate Web site. Contains 1,664 pages. -^:^- Product #: MER9 -^:^- Manufactured By :. Merriam-Webster HardbackAmazon.com
The 1998 10th edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary marks the 100th anniversary of this distinguished and popular reference standard, and this is more than just an interesting statistic--it means that Merriam-Webster brings years of experience and reams of citation files to the creation of this latest edition. Improving on their last dictionary, they've added more than 100 pictorial illustrations and supplemented the synonym paragraphs with examples. Along with the English dictionary, which forms the heart of the reference, the editors at Merriam-Webster have included a brief introduction to the English language and a history of the English dictionary, a guide to pronunciation, and a series of appendices that include chemical element abbreviations and symbols, foreign words and phrases, extensive sections with biographical and geographical names, signs and symbols, and a handbook of style.

But getting back to the book itself--it's impressively comprehensive for a collegiate dictionary, with more than 215,000 definitions. Each item includes a pithy wealth of information, with first usage date, etymology, and pronunciation, and clear, precise definitions. In addition, there are often usage notes, synonym cross-references, illustrative quotations, variant spellings and pronunciations, regional labels, and information on capitalization, function, and inflections. Then there are the extra touches. Under bible, for example, there's a chart detailing books of the Old Testament, Jewish Scripture, Protestant apocrypha, and books of the New Testament. Under months is a table listing the months of the principal calendars--Gregorian, Jewish, and Islamic. And wonderful line drawings illustrate terms such as mackerel, lyrebird, hedgehog, and the ancient Celtic stringed instrument known as a crowd. All this makes it a valuable reference--detailed enough for editors and writers, accessible enough for students and casual definition seekers, updated with the new vocabulary of technology, and rigorous enough for the linguistic perfectionists. --Stephanie Gold ... Read more

Customer Reviews (87)

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary & Thesaurus, Deluxe Audio Edition (Version 3.0 - 11th Edition)
This is an AWESOME product!!It has been a tremendous help to my husband and me!The audio pronounciations are of great help!The program installation offers the option of putting an icon for the dictionary on the Word toolbar - WONDERFUL!I think ALL parents should purchase this for home computers for their children and for themselves!

Shortcomings
This product really needs the addition of an audio pronouncing feature, in our opinion.Without this feature, correct pronouncing is quite difficult.

Great Dictionary
I have been using a Merriam-Webster dictionary for years. When I bought a new computer my old software needed replacing. I bought a Dictionary by Random House and was very disappointed. It did not even show how to hyphenate words. I then bought the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary and love it. It works like it is supposed to and has the features I need.

Barely misses perfection
If you're fed up with fumbling even a collegiate-sized or paperback book on your lap just to quickly look up a definition, synonym or spelling, you'll love this electronic dictionary/thesaurus, which conveniently presents all that right on the computer screen where you're already working.

But unfortunately, you'll have to minimize your current program to get to the desktop icon for this program, since it offers no way to pop it up from an icon in the tray -- its worst shortcoming, in my view.

The only way to have it immediately available is by running it, then minimizing it to the taskbar, where it consumes space along with other programs you may already have minimized there. I suppose that's really a minor quibble, but it bugs me greatly because there's no reason beyond lazy programming that it couldn't have offered a tray icon option.

The two exceptions to that are if you're writing in MS Word or Corel's WordPerfect, where macros can be installed as buttons, allowing you to highlight a word and pop it up in the dictionary/thesaurus by clicking that button.

But that's a sadly limited use of a major program's pop-up capability, which with a little extra programming could have been expanded to include virtually any selected word on the screen, as is possible with some other electronic dictionaries.

That notwithstanding, the program offers the same robust selection of definitions and synonyms you'll find in the printed Merriam-Webster Collegiate, but with a number of easily clickable search options for finding them. They're also presented in basically the same excellent format Merriam-Webster uses in its printed versions.

If you can't find a suitable word in the 225,000 definitions and 340,000 synonyms and related words available in this program, you're probably looking for something that'll drive whoever's reading what you're writing to a dictionary.

Selecting the dictionary or thesaurus is as quick and easy as clicking on either from a drop-down menu prominently at the top of the program -- and you can set either as the default on startup.

Other configuration preferences are sparsely limited to changing text size/color and background color, and setting a default for any of the 19 search "types."

To look up a word, you can select from three tabbed options:

Basic Searches (Entry word is...): You'd likely use this most. As soon as you enter the first letter a list pops up in a lower window with everything beginning with that letter. As you type additional letters, you increasingly drill down to words nearer what you're looking for, ending with your word highlighted when you type the final letter. This is basically exactly the same routine as when you use the "Find" feature of any Windows help program -- and sure beats flipping through pages of a book.

Advanced Searches: This is a Boolean thing using AND, OR, NOT and some possible parenthetical expressions. I found it to be mostly an advanced piece of uselessness.

Browse: This is basically like thumbing through a printed dictionary starting at some letter and functions exactly the same as drilling down through the letters of a word using the Basic search feature. But -- and that's a big BUT -- its two options of searching for either the beginning or ending of a word can be a lifesaver when you have no idea how to begin spelling that word. For example: Try looking up "ptarmigan" under "T" or "mnemonic" under "N." You'll get nowhere fast on either. But search for the fairly obvious endings and sooner than later you'll find those words.

One other quibble I have with this program is that it refuses to recognize my USB mouse wheel for scrolling through the word lists. But I've learned to be content with the side slider.

Its few shortcomings aside, at Amazon's price this program's a world-class bargain, functions flawlessly for what it's intended and hands down beats wrestling with a book.

Perfect -- almost!
This is a can't -live-without- it reference product.It's got all sorts of ways to help the writer or speaker.Is it Antartic or Antarctic? Athelete or Athlete?What's a four letter word synonym for morose?What is the correct pronouncement of herb?Whet?What rhymes with storage?There are at least 15 valuable word tools in this relatively inexpensive program.I would pay twice the price.

That said, I had difficulty installing the software on my iMac G5 running O.S. 10.4. I ordered the CD (so glad I did) and everything was a snap except ... no pronunciation unless the CD was inserted.This is fixable, but not without cnversations with M-W.And their instructions didn't work well.PCs?I couldn't say.What the hell -- take a chance. ... Read more

Book Description
A trade paperback edition of our popular hardcover dictionary at a great price! A dictionary for children ages 8-11. Delivers over 32,000 entries, 600 black-and-white illustrations, and special sections including U.S. presidents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

DICTIONARY
GREAT SELLER, VERY FAST DELIVERY, BOOK WAS JUST WHAT I ORDERED. WOULD DO BUSINESS WITH AGAIN,,,THANKS

Excellent study aid for lower grades!
I purchased hard cover Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary for each one of my First Grade Class to give at the end of the school year as a special prize. The next day two of the boys brought their dictionaries back to school with ALL of the bird pictures in the dictionary marked to show me. Each one could also read the description of the birds pictured. This is a very complete, well illustrated dictionary for any American child aged 6-14. I can see years of use for each dictionary as the children progress to upper levels. I plan to purchase the same dictionary for my class next year. I have several Scholastic dictionaries in the classroom but they are not as well researched as Merriam-Webster.

GREAT DICTIONARY.
MY DAUGHTER IS SEVEN AND WASREALLY EXICTED TO RECEIVE THIS. I DON'T ALLOW HER TO USE THE ADULT DICTIONARY BECAUSE OF SOME OF THE WORDS IN IT. SHE WILL FIND THOSE OUT WHEN SHE GROWS UP BUT THIS IS GREAT. THE DESCRIPTION OF IT IS WONDERFUL, SHE REALLY ENJOYS IT, AND LOOKS UP WORDS FOR FUN NOT JUST FOR SCHOOL. GLAD THAT I MADE THIS PURCHASE.

Excellent Dictionary
I have a copy of A dictionary for boys and girls, Websters Elementary Dictionary, Copyright, 1956 that I used when I was in elementary school. My kids are using the same dictionary and really enjoy it. Books do not have to be currently up to date to have such a great value as this one. Great book.

I like my dictionary a lot
I like it. I use it everyday for homeschool. I like the pictures.
(...)
4 years old ... Read more

Product Description
Great buy Merriam-Webster's Intermediate Dictionary. Revised edition has more than 70,000 entries and 1,000 illustrations, many revised. Abundant word history paragraphs, synonym paragraphs and example sentences. Updated to reflect Merriam-Webster's 11th edition Collegiate Dictionary. Hardcover. Grades 5-8. 1,024 pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A great dictionary for middle schoolers
Fairly inclusive and readable print, but small enough to fit in a desk, locker or back pack.I've bought two; one for my daughter and my godson.

Not Only For High Schoolers
This was a required purchase at my son's private school.He is in 5th grade, and this dictionary has proven to be a very valuable resource.The definitions are clear and concise.This dictionary is one that can grow along with him, instead of rebuying the next age appropriate resource.I expect that he will continue to use it for many years. ... Read more

Book Description
A bilingual, bi-directional guide to Spanish and American English with extensive coverage of Latin-American Spanish. More than 80,000 entries and 100,000 translations. Abundant examples of words used in context. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

very good in its class
The best SPanish-SPanish dictionary is of course the academy dictionary agreed upon by all the Spanish language academies in every spanish-speaking country.However, for smaller ENglish/Spanish, this dictionary is pretty good.It's the one I give to relatives or friends studying Spanish.

Good dictionary, easy to use
This book is easy to use and full of excellent vocabulary for a beginning Spanish speaker.On a few occasions I was not able to find the word I was looking for but I did find close substitutes and was able to complete my assignments for my Spanish class.

Great Reference at a Great Price
This is great for high school Spanish.I recommend it because of it thoroughness and price.Great for quick reference as well as travel.

Great
This product has helped me tremendously with my homework. I am really happy that I purchased it.

Excellent reference for Spanish classes
The Merriam-Webster paperback Spanish-English Dictionary is an excellent reference for my high school Spanish classes.I teach 1st through 3rd year Spanish and I recommend this book to all my students.Not only does it contain 80,000 words and 100,000 translations, its comprehensive treatment and vast store of various usages and phrases is invaluable to a student learning Spanish (and a teacher teaching it).The first 20-some pages explain how to best use the dictionary, and the next 40 pages are a mini-course in Spanish grammar, punctuation, and parts of speech.And at a listed price of $6.50 it is a bargain!Besides straight definitions of words, many synonyms and idioms are included.I highly recommend this dictionary to anyone needing to translate from English to Spanish or Spanish to English. ... Read more

Book Description
Find the right word to enrich communication. Alphabetical lists include more than 340,000 synonyms, antonyms, related and contrasted words, and idioms. Brief definitions describe the meanings shared by synonyms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

A good investment
This thesaurus is very helpful. You will be able to find the word you're looking for about 8-9 times out of 10, which is not bad at all. I am an English major and therefore use my thesaurus quite often and I give it a thumbs up. The price is reasonable. The look is professional. It's a great buy!

Merriam -Webster Collegiate Thesaurus
This was a gift for someone that is a senior in highschool.They loved it and it will take them through adulthood.

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Thesaurus
I purchased this reference book at the same time I purchased Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary thinking these books would compliment each other and I was absolutely correct !!!I thought this would be a reference book that would collect dust on the bookshelf but that isn't the case. I have used this reference book more than I thought I would and it has come in handy many times now. You can never have enough reference books in your own private library and this is definitely a book that can only inhance your reference book section of your library. I am very pleased with this purchase and the only thing I regret is not purchasing this book much sooner !!!

good reference
this is a very useful especially if you need to enrich your vocabulary.

useful tool of reference but...
I think the title should be changed to 'Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms'. The word thesaurus used here is unsuitable given that the Theseus of Greek myths was neither a great writer, philologist, lexographer or anything else related to dictionaries. This name is not used for such dictionaries in other western european languages. so why use it in English? ... Read more

Book Description
The ideal book for people who want to increase their word power. Focuses on more than 1,000 vocabulary words and introduces nearly 2,000 more - all organized by root for effective study. Includes quizzes to test progress. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Excellent 4 ur V0cab/SAT
This product is excellent if you are in High School and you are planning on taking the Regents or SAT's, this book is a mandatory subsance for your study. =)

improving your vocabulary?
This vocabulary book is designed to teach the 'learning of language' + improve your vocabulary by understanding the origins of each root. very effective and useful in memorizing/expanding your vocabulary skills. there are quizzes every 8 words or so, which makes it easier to memorize. instead of just building your vocab. in alphabetical order, try learning by roots.

Amazing!
Takes the process of building up one's vocabulary one step further, by explainig the roots and origins of different prefixes and suffixes.Hence, you will be able to understand words not included in the book by simply deconstructing them, and interpreting the different parts. Truly excellent!

Useful.. but
Ok, I think this book is very useful for ESL students, or test takers, or people who need to build a vocab. but... I do not find it easy to use. The book is small pocket size and I like my textbooks to be a little bigger and printed on a little better paper. I mean, it's good for it's purpose, but just not nice to work with and that why I give 4 stars.

I love this book!
I was lucky enough to get this book as a grab bag gift.I love it.I have learned so much about the origins of words and find myself using new words all the time.
Granted, it is not Dan Brown's DaVinci Code, and can be dry reading at times.
But overall it is a wonderful book chock full of very interesting and educational information.Highly recommended.A copy of this book will join my favorite dictionary and thesaurus. ... Read more

Amazon.com
In evaluating a children's dictionary, there are two test words wealways check first: "e-mail" and "iguana." After all, if "e-mail" doesn't appearin a dictionary, how up-to-date can it be? And iguanas, well, what kid doesn'twant to read all about this "very large tropical American lizard with a ridge oftall scales along its back"? We are happy to report that this fine dictionary isabove and beyond our gold standard. Not only are there definitions for each ofthe test words, there are illustrations for each, as well! This 912-pageillustrated dictionary is packed with great information, including world maps onthe inside covers, an easy-to-use how-to guide, and a reference section withfacts and maps of the continents, pictures of flags from countries around theworld, U.S. presidents and vice presidents, pronunciation guides, signs andsymbols, and lots more. Sandwiched between this wealth of facts and figures are846 pages of definitions with DK's trademark crisp, clear photographsillustrating many of the words. One of the handiest features in this volume isthe multicolored alphabet running down the outer edges of every single page,with the featured letter highlighted for easy reference when flipping through.So get out there and e-mail all your iguana friends about this terrificreference guide! (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie CoulterBook Description
Designed for children 8 and up, the Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary combines the lexicographic excellence of America's most trusted and prestigious dictionary publisher with DK's world renowned design and visual flair. Works of art and graphics provide instant visual definitions and deepen the understanding of the text, while eye-catching illustrated reference features offer in-depth information on an amazing variety of subjects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

Children's Dictionary
Excellent dictionary for children.I purchased this for my 10 year old and it will be very helpful with her school work and story writing.

Pictures are great, but vocabulary content lacking
This dictionary is very kid-friendly; colored markers on the pages make it easy to find the letter you want to look up and the pictures are extensive and intriguing. However, in using this dictionary with K-6th grade students, I have found that it is lacking many words above a 4th grade level, and I have had to revert back to the good ol' Oxford English Dictionary many a time.If you are looking for a dictionary for grades 1-4 this one is great.

Reviews are great and are right
I picked this book over other after reading the reviews. I am really
glad that I did. Really great book. The idea of using in a sentence
along with picture descriptions for few is a great recipe. My kids really love it. My only concern is - for a given word if we need to all synonyms,
we cannot do that. I guess we have to buy a different book for that crosscheck.

Excellent Children's Dictionary
Merriam Webster Children's Dictionary

This dictionary is a must-have for every family with kids of middle school age.It is very informative, easy to use, and contains lots of extras that will have your kids coming back to it again and again.Dictionaries can be boring or intimidating to use, but my 8 and 10 year old girls enjoy using this dictionary.It is nice to see that quality and consistency have been maintained for the Meriam-Webster name.

Christian parents beware
Christian parents should know that this dictionary has only a generic, small case listing for "god" while listing "Allah" as a specific entity. I don't have a problem with "Allah" being listed that way, but I believe that "God" should also be recognized with a specific, capital-letter listing. Most other dictionaries, Scholastic for example, do it that way (i.e. "God" is the god of Christians and Jews.) I also noticed in some of DK's science books that evolution is stated as a fact, while some other books, like Osburne, state that "most scientists agree... [about the idea of evolution]." ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
A convenient guide to choosing words precisely. Clear explanations of the distinctions between synonyms. Example phrases included. Antonyms listed at most entries. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Handy Book for Vocabulary Reference
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms is an interesting research - and I dare to say: entertaining - resource. Because, contrary to what some might think, this is not a thesaurus, but a book which groups words of similar meanings into a topic and explains in a very didactic way and with examples what distinguishes in nuance one from each other so you can use the most appropriate words depending on the situation.

For being small, you will certainly not find about everything you want and when you need, but however, this has a reasonable scope of words that is worth the purchase. In the worst case, you can perfectly take this as a regular book that you could read in your spare time since is pleasantly organized and well written. Trust me, it is not as boring as reading purposeless a regular dictionary.

Great little book
This book is compact and you can take it to school with you. This book saved me on plenty of essays.

Webster's Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms
This is a good rendition on classic synonyms and antonyms. It would be very helpful in augmenting vocabulary for standardized tests in high school or college.

Classic word definitions are provided. i.e.
- abate means to reduce-lustrous means bright
- boorish means rude -nonchalant means cool
- caustic means "a biting wit" -pensive means thoughtful
- chide means to criticize -preponderant means dominant
- consonant means agreement-scabrous means rough
- decorum refers to proper conduct
- eccentricity refers to singularlity of behavior
- estrange means to alienate
- fawn means to seek favor
- forestall means to prevent
- gauche means awkward
- implore means to beg
- inconstant lacks firmness
- melodorous means unpleasant
- munificent means generous
- slatternly means rundown
- sojourn means to reside
- suave means well-mannered
-temerity means boldness
-vociferous means to load

This rendition would be very helpful for a wide constituency of
students , editors and school administrators.

Insufficient
The title is a misnomer, as there is less than one antonym for each synonym introduced. Moreover, as stated by other people, nouns are inexistant, and some common words are definitely missing. For example, no mention of the word delicious.
One could expect from such a respected House.
Barely sufficient at high school level, definitely lacking at university level, of little utility to an experienced writer.
However, it could form the basis for a good reference book as the planning is judicious!

"Master the Subtleties of Language"
The quote that makes, forms, shapes, fashions, fabricates, manufactures, forges my title comes from the back of the book:~)

"The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms" is the hands down best reference book I've ever bought.

It groups synonyms together and then explains the subtle differences between them (e.g., "infer, deduce, conclude, judge, gather" are followed by definitions of each word explaining the subtle differences in their meanings -- and example of their usage in a sentence) If ever you spent five bucks on a writing reference book, this is the book to have.

My only critique is that very few nouns are ever given (most synonyms given in this book are either verbs or adjectives). And it would be helpful to see all the subtle differences between nouns like "automobile, car, sedan." I hope this helps.

Stacey ... Read more

Book Description
A critically acclaimed guide to English usage. Includes more than 2,300 entries presenting the history, analysis, and recommendations regarding noted usage controversies. Entries are illustrated with more than 20,000 quotations from prominent writers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Brilliant Writing Tool
This books is perhaps the most useful writing book to me as a published writer.In dictionary-like form, you can look up usage advice for specific words or broader topics like "split infinitive" and "agreement, subject-verb."The book provides detailed (and often quite interesting) historical context for entries, often tracing usage of the word back to its original meaning (e.g., "nee") or providing examples of English usage by prominent linguists or literary authors.Each entry boils down the accumulated evidence to advise the reader on what is the proper way to use a word or address an issue.

As someone who writes for a living, this is one of five books that I keep within arm's reach for quick access.(The other four are The Chicago Manual of Style 15th ed., Merriam Webster's Dictionary of Synonyms: A Dictionary of Discriminated Synonyms with Antonyms and Analogous and Contrasted Words, Fowler's Modern English Usage 3rd edition, and a general dictionary.)

I would definitely recommend this book.But keep in mind that it is not a traditional dictionary of words, but rather a guide on how to use words and grammar.Some of its recommendations go against commonly accepted rules or what you may have learned in school (e.g., split infinitives).However, this book backs up its conclusions with detailed analysis and historical examples, so you can actually defend non-conventional usage.

My only complaints are that it has not been updated since 1994, and that there is no digital/on-line version.

MW- Dictionary of English Usage
If you already know a lot about Englishand want to know more about its usage andif you are prepared to encounter some complex and sophisticated sample sentences for the usages of the words that you use freely and without much care in your daily life, this book is for you... And also, I think , if you have a chance to get another usage book like Garner's American Usage, you can compare the usage styles offered in these books and get more detailed insight into perception of English thinking system... As many of you will know, Fowler's Modern English Usage is the leading resource on this usage issue; but MW is as comprehensive as Fowler's... And as a last sentence, if you are crazy enough about English, just buy these three usage books...

One of the best books on the English language
One thing needs to be clear before you buy this book: it is a dictionary, not a book of grammatical rules. That is, it is much more of a descriptive work than a prescriptive one. A lot of the reviewers here seem to take that to mean that it advocates some sort of linguistic anarchy, but what it really does is inform readers about the different aspects of various usage issues so that they can make an informed decision instead of blindly obeying the strictures in books like The Elements of Style. Everyone serious about the English language should own a copy.

Fascinating but ultimately useless
There's lots of interesting historical information here, much of which is a welcome debunking of grammatical shibboleths -- almost six pages, for example, on "ain't", which was drummed out of the language by misguided schoolmarms. But the non-prescriptive approach has its own problems. The authors can describe usage, but they can offer little in the way of guidance, other than namby-pamby advice beginning with "You may want to..."

Take, for example, the article on "impeach". After a discussion of how some people (some ignorant people, I would say) have misunderstood the meaning of the word, the authors advise: "If you need to use 'impeach' in your writing and wish not to be misunderstood, you had better phrase your context carefully." I suppose a good writer always takes into account the possibility of being misunderstood, but the authors almost seem to be warning us against using the word at all, because people like them are never going to pronounce on the right way to use it.

Tackling the question of "impact" as a verb, the authors go out of their way to show that it's never been really wrong to use it in this way. Their early citations, however, clearly show the word being used in the sense of "strike", a sense in which it was useful. As for the current watered-down sense of "affect", the authors state that "it is too late now for complaint to prevent the establishment of this use". No one can argue with the truth of that; but the question is, if the grammarians and teachers of twenty years ago had complained more loudly, might not this usage have been stopped in its tracks, just as "irregardless" was?

Language does change, but there are many good arguments for conservatism, not the least of which is the loss of clarity and understanding that comes about when usage drifts aimlessly. By all means let's not have artificial rules (like the one I learned in school, that "continual" and "continuous" had different meanings even if no one could remember what they were). But let's have rules, because without them there is no common ground. This book is far more interested in validating sloppy usage than in correcting it.

The best usage guide for business writers
Usage guides cover the etiquette of language, from when you can split infinitives to whether you can say prioritize. Of the many usage guides available, I recommend this one for its clarity and thoroughness. It's on the short list of recommended resources in my book The McGraw-Hill 36-Hour Course in Business Writing and Communication.

... Read more

Book Description
The first visual dictionary to incorporate dictionary-scale definitions. - More than 20,000 clear and concise terms - 6,000 full-colour, highly detailed illustrations - 17 chapters outlining subjects from astronomy to sports - Ideal for teachers, parents, translators, and students ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Wow !!!!!!!
I would say go for it !!!

This is a really amazing visual dictionary..

Excelent for your child!
This is very beautiful encyclopedia for your child, a lot of pictures and clear description. So helpful for children and their parents :o)...

Visual dictionary- not so visual
Good lay out and high quality paper. Pictures are fine. Butmore like a small encyclopedia than a dictionary. Major drawback is small font letters, not easy to read.Bit disappointed, could have been better.

Dictionary with Eye Candy
I purchased this dictionary for someone else, and they were thrilled with the content and pictures.I personally have an older dictionary like it, and think that having the visual references is fantastic.Words are important, but, as the old saying goes, "a picture says a thousand words".Sorry, Merriam, but we art-types love those pics!

Wonderful Visual Resource
Our son found this dictionary and purchased it himself.As a deaf student, he has poured over the pages with delight.It is a wonderful reference for those with language problems, learning disabilities, and the curious in general.We were so impressed we donated 25 copies to our son's school for classroom use.The students and teachers have loved it! ... Read more

Book Description
David Kenyon Webster’s memoir is a clear-eyed, emotionally charged chronicle of youth, camaraderie, and the chaos of war. Relying on his own letters home and recollections he penned just after his discharge, Webster gives a first hand account of life in E Company, 101st Airborne Division, crafting a memoir that resonates with the immediacy of a gripping novel.

From the beaches of Normandy to the blood-dimmed battlefields of Holland, here are acts of courage and cowardice, moments of irritating boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror, and pitched urban warfare. Offering a remarkable snapshot of what it was like to enter Germany in the last days of World War II, Webster presents a vivid, varied cast of young paratroopers from all walks of life, and unforgettable glimpses of enemy soldiers and hapless civilians caught up in the melee. Parachute Infantry is at once harsh and moving, boisterous and tragic, and stands today as an unsurpassed chronicle of war—how men fight it, survive it, and remember it.


From the Trade Paperback edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

Parachute Infantry: An american paratrooper's memoir of D-Day and the fall of the third Reich
A first hand account of WWII, its strains, its successes, its miseries, its eventual triumphs. A plea against the horrors of wars.

Like it was with no sparkle
Band of Brothers without the spit shine, or the real band of brothers.Nuff said.

Very Honest Depiction of an Infantry Soldier
I'm not going to repeat what has already been said. I read the book recently and I wasn't disappointed. I will say that it is very interesting to compare Maj. Winter's perspective as an officer (Beyond Band of Brothers) to David Webster's as an enlisted man. David Websters book is particularly good because, he was a talented writer, and captured his perspective in such a natural way. It's good and worth the $14 list price.

Parachute Infantry
Cold hard facts as seen by someone who was there,and came back. The names are all the same,the blood is all red,ordinary people who gave their all and won!

An up and down affair...

First off, I approached this book with expectations that were too high and at times I found felt disappointed. As a big fan of the mini series, "Band of Brothers", in which his character is clearly portrayed, I expected his account of the war to be smartly written with better insight and descriptions, making it into a page-turner. At times this held true, with his accounts of the the first plane ride on D-Day, directly following the drop and later in the war. In between were a lot of moments that dragged.

It's important to know right away that his portrayal in " Band Of Brothers" was not very accurate, nor were some of the battle scenes, according to Mr. Webster, who I tend to believe. He was actually wounded twice and the first time happened shortly after D-Day. So early into the book, the momentum shifts when he takes us back to a memorial service for fallen servicemen that he attended, by order, while healing. It was described in detail, dragged and took me out of the momentum of the story that he built up through D-Day.

Once he returned to the front lines, the book gathered momentum and got into some type of rhythm. Many of the details regarding who he was friendly with, their personalties, chain of command issues and problems, and his feelings and approach to battles were interesting. I did find myself lost, however, regarding two main issues. One was the description of the directions they were traveling. I felt lost and had trouble getting a mental picture of the battle sites, which leads to the second issue. Assuming that the reader will understand many of the terms he used, either military or geographic. A brief one-time explanation of terms that he used over and over in the story would have helped me, but perhaps be as much of a problem for others. Particularly the geographic ones like the difference between a berm, ditch, trench, slit trench as well as others, and hedges, raised road, dikes and many others. Particularly the relationship to how the soldiers used them to their advantage or disadvantage. Again, I was confused directionally and geographically and therefore had trouble imagining the battle scenes.

Eventually, the book improved a great deal. Lots of great stuff about being in the forward position as scouts and the "real" story of what is called, "Operation Pegasus" in BOB. The actual operation was different in many ways from it's portrayal in the mini series. Definitely be prepared and look forward to what really happened, instead what looks good. The truth is much more interesting. In fact, try to forget all about what BOB portrays before reading this book, if in fact you are looking for a connection. Just them them happen naturally. I love his honesty regarding his personal approach to and feelings about this war and their operations. I suppose the dull moments of the book reflect the war in a more realistic fashion, it's just not what I expected.

I found myself even more engrossed as the war was winding down, from his perspective, which of course is very specific. I learned a lot about what really went on with soldiers as they moved across Germany and Austria kicking people out of their homes at each stop, which there is a term for that I cannot think of at the moment. He described many fascinating stories about the soldiers and how they dealt with the aftermath of the war when they were suddenly "regular" human beings again and not soldiers in the horrors of battle.

Mr. Webster had quite and experience and reading about it was at times dull but at many other times thrilling. Most of all it was the real thing and he wrote about it in a very human and honest fashion. I really recommend this book. I would suggest, however, to approach his accounts without any preconceived notions of what World War II was like, especially for the soldiers and most of all his view. In the end, it is the truths about the heroism and horrors of war from the soldiers perspective that is the most important. They are risking their lives for us and we should listen to what they have to say, above all others. ... Read more

Book Description

• Over 60,000 entries -- covering business, computer, and scientific terms; colloquial, idiomatic, and current slang expressions; and more.
• Updated and revised biographical and geographical database -- with more than 2,000 new entries.
• Simple alphabetical listing for all entries -- including prefixes and suffixes, abbreviations, foreign words and phrases, and biographical and geographical names.
• Concise, easy-to-understand definitions -- many revised to reflect the latest research on usage and meaning.

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• Precise and comprehensive pronunciation key -- designed for quick, convenient reference.
• Updated page design and layout -- modern, clear type appeals to the eye and makes for an easier-to-read reference tool.
• Complete A-to-Z preparation by the permanent lexicographical staff at Webster's New World&#153; College Dictionary -- the word pros who prepared the acclaimed Fourth College Edition.

Customer Reviews (2)

One of the best dictionaries that I've found
This is one of the best dictionaries that I've found. The thing I really like about this dictionary is the word derevations. Most of the popular dictionaries these days have little or no information on where the word originated and what its original meaning is. Nice work Webster's New World Dictionary. I've been a fan for years. Keep up the good work.

Oooh Big Words...
Ok....so this is how its going to roll. If you're reading my reviews you're going to get my opinion, right,...Cause everyone's got 'em. But I took the time to put it in writing, so I dont have to say it twice. And what better item to review as a first than the Authority on words itself.Webster's New World Dictionary! Come on people, I mean look at this!

-Over 60,000 Entries!
-200 Illustrations!
-Easy to read type!

Need I say more?
So lets get excited about the language again folks!

It deserves no less than the 5 Stars I have given it.
And in honor of Mr.Webster himself I will include, at the end of EVERY one of my reveiws, a word of my own design that is all encompassing in regard to the item being reviewed, followed by a small explanation of its meaning. Like a sort of "Hambone's Word of the Day" if you will.
So the word for today will be:

LEXICOGRAFICATION
(the act of Lexicographying..yeah)
We love you Noah!

Hambone, Out.
... Read more

Amazon.com
Designed as a transition dictionary for readers in late-elementary school, Webster's New World Children's Dictionary bridges the gap between simple, picture-based dictionaries and the dull-but-necessary ones we all reach for when faced with unknown words. The medium-sized text, example sentences that accompany most definitions, and the miniature pronunciation guide on every page all work nicely together to ensure that kids will understand correct usage without getting overwhelmed with detail. Also included are maps, history and geography pages, and an introductory thesaurus. Especially helpful for younger users is the 10-page guide to dictionary usage, which covers synonyms, homonyms, and the ever-important ways to look up a word when you don't know how to spell it in the first place.

In general, the definitions are easily understandable for children ages 7 to 12, providing accurate answers without being verbose. In Webster's New World College Dictionary, "rebel" is described as "one who engages in armed resistance against the established government of one's country." In this version, you'll find the more kid-friendly definition "a person who fights against any kind of control or authority." The disk that accompanies the text version of the dictionary will be especially helpful to fifth and sixth graders using a home computer for papers and book reports, but chances are it won't replace your word processor's spell checker. It loads quickly and easily, but its special feature may actually annoy some users: an automatic pull-down menu starts churning out possible words as soon as you type the first letter, so it may end up frustrating rather than assisting in your word hunt. Educational games are also included on the disk, but they only work with older, 8-bit video cards. --Jill Lightner

System requirements:

• PC, Pentium recommended
• Windows 95/98
• 16MB RAM
• 20MB free hard disk space
• 640x480 video display with 256 colors
• Soundblaster compatible sound card and speakers
• 4x CD ROM

Customer Reviews (15)

Good Dictionary
This dictionary is very well made and easy to use for a child. However, it did not have the first word we went to look up in it. Disapppointing. Other than that, good purchase for my second grader.

mjacks
Its been great for my third grade granddaughter. She enjoys looking up words for herself now. It's easy to read and it helps her with her pronunciation.I will be buying another for my other granddaughter for xmas.

Kids choice
My daughter loves this dictionary.I think it helps that its very colorful and has plenty of pictures.Great choice for the money paid.

It's OK but.....
I purchased this for my son who is 10 and in 4th grade.The description did say for "late elementary school".Well, more times than not, a word my son needed to look up for homework was not in this dictionary.I'd say this edition is good for kids first getting acquainted with a dictionary as it is not intimidating, the definitions are at elementary reading level, and the pictures are a nice touch.However, by the time a kid is in 4th grade, this dictionary just isn't "meaty" enough.Also, it did not come with the CD as described.

I love this Dicitonary
This book is great for my kids it's easy for them to read. ... Read more