Which dictionary(for home use) is the best? Collins, OED, Collins, others? I realise there's the internet, but we want a couple to keep on our bookshelf. Opinions please.
Gerry Tan ● 4135d5 Comments
I've always liked Chambers myself - very good for a small(ish) dictionary and pretty comprehensive. How about picking out a few words which intrigue you and seeing how various dictionaries define them as a test of which you like?
Thelma Leach ● 4135d
Good idea Thelma - a word that has been "bugging" me recently is 'gobbledeegook' - 'twould be great if a dictionary gave it's meaning and origins and background. Thanks.
Gerry Tan ● 4135d
Chambers describes it as 'unintelligible official jargon: rubbish, nonsense (Imit)'. 'Imit' means imitative - perhaps imitating a turkey's gobble. I believe the word is originally from the US.Another great word is serendipity - look it up if you're not familiar with it.We are very lucky to have the wonderful English language to play around with, aren't we?
Agreed Thelma, English is a superlative language, so varied and open to numerous uses and slants.
Whichever dictionary gives the best definition of my favourite onomatopoeic word tintinnabulation would be my choice. Also check if it has a definition for owlet (baby owl). Some years ago my daughter got free dictionaries from Collins when she was a pupil at Christchurch for pointing out that the word was missing.
Nigel Brooks ● 4134d