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Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 2 Vols
Now updated with more than 3,000 new words and meanings, the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary manages more than one third of the coverage of the OED in one-tenth the size. More than 500,000 definitions grace its 3,984 pages, and its innovative, open design makes this vast amount of
information easily navigable and identifiable.
The Shorter covers virtually every word or phrase in use in English--worldwide--since 1700. Drawing on the continuous research for The Oxford English Dictionary, each definition's changing meanings are followed throughout history and are illustrated by more than 83,000 quotations from some 7,000
authors.
The world's most comprehensive, thorough, and up-to-date unabridged dictionary, the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary is an essential resource for every library.
information easily navigable and identifiable.
The Shorter covers virtually every word or phrase in use in English--worldwide--since 1700. Drawing on the continuous research for The Oxford English Dictionary, each definition's changing meanings are followed throughout history and are illustrated by more than 83,000 quotations from some 7,000
authors.
The world's most comprehensive, thorough, and up-to-date unabridged dictionary, the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary is an essential resource for every library.
3793 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1933
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 21, 2008
This is my mistress. I adore her.
April 15, 2008
Yes. I am a writer. I love my OED.
January 23, 2020
Always fabulous.
June 22, 2012
Title: Trumble, W., Siefring, J., & Bailey, C. (2007). The shorter Oxford English dictionary (6th ed.) (2 vols.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Reviewer: Jessica L. Cooper
Type: Dictionary
Call Number: REF 423
Brief Description: This etymological dictionary traces the meanings of words in the English language throughout history. It is the abridged version of the massive, multi-volume Oxford English Dictionary.
Cost: $175.00
Review Citation: Bemis, M. (2007). [Review of The shorter Oxford English dictionary]. Library Journal. Retrieved from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article...
Relevance and Relationship: This text gives the current meanings of terms as well as their meanings throughout history allowing students who are reading older books, essays, poems, and plays to find the correct meaning of terms in context. As the library does not have an etymological dictionary, this would be a valuable resource for readers studying historical works or literary classics. It can also be a fun resource for students wanting to investigate more “hip” terms that are new to the language. This two volume work is a bit pricey but is worth it as there is nothing comparable to this work in the school’s library.
Purpose: While this is an abridged version, the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary still contains a plethora of terms for study, and each term is given considerable treatment. Over half a million words and over 800,000 example quotes from over 7000 authors are included in the two volumes. It is a valuable resource for historical and literary studies.
Validity: The complete version of the Oxford English Dictionary is a very reputable source used and praised by the academic community. This shorter version has been hailed as a valuable resource for smaller libraries. The Shorter OED received glowing reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Choice. As the need for this type of dictionary illustrates, terms do change over time; however, since students will mostly be using this to aid their understanding of more archaic words, this new edition should not need to be replaced for several years. However, it should be noted that this new edition has added a great deal of new terms that have appeared in our language. Terms included must have five examples in five different printed sources over five years.
Format: The dictionary is in print and is in two volumes. This version is easier to read than past version, using a better font and page layout including increased white space. Examples of usage are placed in tinted boxes.
Arrangement and Presentation: A detailed guide for using the dictionary is provided in the introduction. Words are listed alphabetically and the meanings for each word are listed chronologically. Examples of usage are provided for each term.
Diversity: This dictionary will be helpful for students researching documents and analyzing literature but also for ESL students who need more to understand word connotations than can be found in regular dictionaries. Reluctant readers may also be interested to browse for new words included, such as “d’oh”—popularized by infamous cartoon character Homer Simpson.
Reviewer: Jessica L. Cooper
Type: Dictionary
Call Number: REF 423
Brief Description: This etymological dictionary traces the meanings of words in the English language throughout history. It is the abridged version of the massive, multi-volume Oxford English Dictionary.
Cost: $175.00
Review Citation: Bemis, M. (2007). [Review of The shorter Oxford English dictionary]. Library Journal. Retrieved from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article...
Relevance and Relationship: This text gives the current meanings of terms as well as their meanings throughout history allowing students who are reading older books, essays, poems, and plays to find the correct meaning of terms in context. As the library does not have an etymological dictionary, this would be a valuable resource for readers studying historical works or literary classics. It can also be a fun resource for students wanting to investigate more “hip” terms that are new to the language. This two volume work is a bit pricey but is worth it as there is nothing comparable to this work in the school’s library.
Purpose: While this is an abridged version, the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary still contains a plethora of terms for study, and each term is given considerable treatment. Over half a million words and over 800,000 example quotes from over 7000 authors are included in the two volumes. It is a valuable resource for historical and literary studies.
Validity: The complete version of the Oxford English Dictionary is a very reputable source used and praised by the academic community. This shorter version has been hailed as a valuable resource for smaller libraries. The Shorter OED received glowing reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Choice. As the need for this type of dictionary illustrates, terms do change over time; however, since students will mostly be using this to aid their understanding of more archaic words, this new edition should not need to be replaced for several years. However, it should be noted that this new edition has added a great deal of new terms that have appeared in our language. Terms included must have five examples in five different printed sources over five years.
Format: The dictionary is in print and is in two volumes. This version is easier to read than past version, using a better font and page layout including increased white space. Examples of usage are placed in tinted boxes.
Arrangement and Presentation: A detailed guide for using the dictionary is provided in the introduction. Words are listed alphabetically and the meanings for each word are listed chronologically. Examples of usage are provided for each term.
Diversity: This dictionary will be helpful for students researching documents and analyzing literature but also for ESL students who need more to understand word connotations than can be found in regular dictionaries. Reluctant readers may also be interested to browse for new words included, such as “d’oh”—popularized by infamous cartoon character Homer Simpson.
January 23, 2017
This dictionary doesn't need any review from me. It is a treasure: clarifying meanings, usage, pronunciation and spellings. A dangerous distraction as you open a page at random and get caught in the web of words.
March 28, 2010
i will never stop reading this book!
May 28, 2010
What I had before I got the OED. A third of the contents of the big one in two volumes not twenty. Astonishing value when you shop around.
August 29, 2010
My favorite dictionary. This is the book I'd take with me to a desert island. Endless curious & entertaining information on words.
May 3, 2013
A fantastic resource and reference material, although it can be a bit wordy at times.
December 1, 2016
I particularly liked the chapter that covered the letter N
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews