Which is the best english dictionary?

Question

Hi everybody,

Can anyone help me out?

I have to get a new english dictionary, which must reveal the meanings along with the the roots from where they originated.I'am in India and please see to that the cost doesn't exceed Rs.500 (I think only indians know about Rs.).

Thanks in advance,
praveen.

Matthewg · Accepted Answer

Hi praveen,

500 Rupees works out to about 11 US Dollars.

The Webster's New World College Dictionary is $7.20 (Rs.333) from amazon.com
[url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764556029/qid=1094912351/sr=ka-3/ref=pd_ka_3/104-2434415-9414347"]Click here to buy online[/url].

This dictionary has received brilliant reviews on amazon, and is "used by the Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and other leading newspapers as their official dictionary of choice."

It comes with a CD thesaurus and spellchecker.

Otherwise try online dictionaries like [url=""]Hyperdictionary[/url]. It's fast, free and easy to use.

A dictionary which reveals the roots of words is called an etymological dictionary. These are usually very expensive (around $150) as lots of research would have gone into them. However, I found the "Concise Etymological Dictionary of the English Language" on amazon.com for $6.53 (Rs.300). This will give etymological definitions for words in common usage, which should be sufficient for someone who is learning English. [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0399500499/qid=1094915728/sr=8-6/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i6_xgl14/104-2434415-9414347?v=glance&s=books&n=507846"]Click here to buy it online[/url].

Praveenkbox · Answer

Hi matthewq,

Thanks for your help.

I'am afraid that i couldn't make arrangements to buy one, as i'am not used to get the books online.

Do you think the latter dictionary will be worth compared to the former? Which one is best?
I have heard many times that Oxform dictionary is the best one.What do you think of it?

I will get whichever dictionary you are suggesting.Can i get 'Websters New College..' dictionary in the bookstalls in India?

Thanks once again,
praveen.

Matthewg · Answer

The best thing to do is to buy both of them, but the "Websters New College Dictionary" should take priority because it gives definitions for all the words in common usage. The etymological dictionary is only important if you are studying linguistics. Like the Websters, the Oxford Dictionary does not give etymological definitions, but it is a good dictionary.

Praveenkbox · Answer

Hi,
Thanks once again.
But can i get 'websters..' dictionary in the local book stalls.
Waiting for your reply.
Thanks,
praveen.

Matthewg · Answer

I'm sure you can, otherwise there are Indian online booksellers, like dcbookstore.com, which sell very inexpensive dictionaries.

Praveenkbox · Answer

Thanks for your help.
I will get one at the earliest.

praveen.

Anonymous · Answer

0Try to get a Longman Dictionary. It has more examples of each word.02br
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Anonymous · Answer

0Is Webster's New World College Dictionary in USA stype?02br
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00Which dictionary is good for UK style other than Oxford?0-

Anonymous · Answer

I think Chambers has to rate as one of the best dictionarys money can buy

Anonymous · Answer

What about the Macmillan English Dictionary For Advanced Learners?

Which is the best english dictionary?

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