Rewritten to "reflect contemporary knowledge and culture," this edition defines some 10,000 new words and senses not in the previous work (2000). Notes on usage, history, synonyms, variations, and changes have been added. Providing both biographical and geographical entries, the dictionary uses quotes to show a word in context as well as for usage guidance. Photographs and illustrations, more than 4000 in all, abound. An essay on Indo-European and its speakers introduces Appendix 1, which traces the derivations of English words that come from selected Indo-European roots. Appendix 2 is preceded by an essay on proto-Semitic language and culture. The meaning of the Semitic root is given, followed by explanations of words that have that root. Aesthetically, this edition is pleasing; bold, blue entry words contrast sharply with pronunciations, definitions, and usage notes printed in black ink. The slightly older New Oxford American Dictionary (3d ed., Oxford Univ., 2010) is about the same length and is the same price, but its arrangement is slightly different, as it concentrates on the "core" senses of words. BOTTOM LINE This dictionary is highly recommended for its comprehensiveness, its pleasing layout, and its currency.-Marilyn S. Lary, San Bernardino, CA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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