0
AnneC Posted 21 years ago
Vocabulary
Cf.
My teacher said that cf. means confirmed/confirmato, but I always thought that it means compare (from the latin confer). My dictionary (oxford english dictionary) also said that it means compare from the latin confer. When I asked my teacher, he said that it means both: confirmed and compare. But I'm still not convinced that cf. can mean confirmed, because if it can mean confirmed, why isn't that mentioned in my dictionary? So who's right, me or my teacher?
Here's an example of how cf. can be used:
To fully appreciate the significance of structuration theory, the context in which Giddens developed it should be considered as well (cf. Parker, 1996).
Here's an example of how cf. can be used:
To fully appreciate the significance of structuration theory, the context in which Giddens developed it should be considered as well (cf. Parker, 1996).
Top answer
Cobuild also suggests "compare". Dictionaries can usually be trusted more than teachers, since the entries, definitions,... are checked by many professionals who are trained for that.
- Cobuild also suggests "compare".
- Dictionaries can usually be trusted more than teachers, since the entries, definitions,...
- are checked by many professionals who are trained for that.
- I was a lexicographer once, and I know what measures are taken to provide the readers with the best information.
- BTW, do not stick to only one dictionary, look the words up in as many as dictionaries you can.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
15 Answers
0
Cobuild also suggests "compare". Dictionaries can usually be trusted more than teachers, since the entries, definitions,... are checked by many professionals who are trained for that. I was a lexicographer once, and I know what measures are taken to provide the readers with the best information. BTW, do not stick to only one dictionary, look the words up in as many as dictionaries you can. Someti
00
Hello!
I've never used "cf" in the meaning of "confirmed", neither if French nor in English (nor in anything)
It means "see", "refer to", "confer", from Latin confer, meaning "compare"
Here's the address of a very useful site for acronyms: http://www.acronymfinder.com/
I've never used "cf" in the meaning of "confirmed", neither if French nor in English (nor in anything)
It means "see", "refer to", "confer", from Latin confer, meaning "compare"
Here's the address of a very useful site for acronyms: http://www.acronymfinder.com/
00
Thanks for the replies pieanne and languagelover!
Languagelover, you said: 'It's better to have the Oxford, Longman, Cobuild and Cambridge always at hand.'
Are these available online? I can't really afford to buy all of them
Languagelover, you said: 'It's better to have the Oxford, Longman, Cobuild and Cambridge always at hand.'
Are these available online? I can't really afford to buy all of them
00
Sorry to say this, but unfortunately not! Not for free, except the Cambridge. Cobuild has published a new edition with the CD, it shouldn't be that expensive. The CD is great, it gives you lots of examples. Actually, it has a few examples in each entry, then there are plenty of them in its bank if you are in the need of more examples. And the definition is also great. Perhaps, you can afford this
00
I hardly ever have to write anything in english, so I think buying another dictionary wouldn't be necesarry for me, but do you know where I can find the cambridge dictionary online?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
00
Sure, here is the address:
You do not need an English to English dictionary just for the writing purposes, rather for learning the use of words! I told you to use the British dictionaries, the main reason is that they provide you with examples, and even if you do not understand the definition, examples could be of great help.
Cheers,
You do not need an English to English dictionary just for the writing purposes, rather for learning the use of words! I told you to use the British dictionaries, the main reason is that they provide you with examples, and even if you do not understand the definition, examples could be of great help.
Cheers,
00
Hello, Anne C,
I use the Hyperdictionary online, which is free, and has 3 advantages:
1. You have the Webster definitions as well
2. You have synonyms
3. You have antonyms
I use the Hyperdictionary online, which is free, and has 3 advantages:
1. You have the Webster definitions as well
2. You have synonyms
3. You have antonyms
00
Thanks pieanne, I'd be even more grateful if you gave me the adress of the hyperdictionary online 
00
Hi Anne,
This is the address:
There are other online dictionaries as well, if you search the net you'll find their addresses.
And then it's upto you to choose which ones to use. Sometimes you have to look up the words in more than one dictionary. However, I still recommend you to use the Cambridge first if you are looking for examples to see the usage.
Cheers,
This is the address:
There are other online dictionaries as well, if you search the net you'll find their addresses.
And then it's upto you to choose which ones to use. Sometimes you have to look up the words in more than one dictionary. However, I still recommend you to use the Cambridge first if you are looking for examples to see the usage.
Cheers,
00
Related Questions