|
Chambers Dictionary
The Chambers Dictionary remains the dictionary of
choice for professional writers, puzzle and wordgame enthusiasts and
everyone with a love of words. This new edition (2006) of the
dictionary includes definitions of over 500 words that have entered
the language since 2003. While the traditional Chambers virtues of
being informative, witty and authoritative have been retained, the
dictionary has been updated to provide a clear and modern text for
today's users.
>>
Chambers Dictionary Shopping
<<
In 1835, the brothers started work on Chambers's Educational Course,
a series of short works and schoolbooks. There were eventually more
than 100 titles in this series on almost every subject. 1859 saw the
publication of the first part of Chambers's Encyclopedia, which was
published in 520 parts between 1859 and 1868, and, in 1867, they
published their first dictionary, Chambers's Etymological
Dictionary, by James Donald. A larger version of this dictionary,
Chambers's English Dictionary, was published in 1872, (with a second
edition in 1898); Chambers's Biographical Dictionary was published
in 1897; and a compact edition of the English dictionary, Chambers's
Twentieth Century Dictionary, in 1901.
Originally published in 1901 as Chambers's
Twentieth Century Dictionary, the dictionary is widely used by
British crossword solvers and setters, and by
Scrabble players. It contains many more dialectal variants and
archaic words than its rivals, and is noted for its occasional wryly
humorous definitions, such as "a cake, long in shape but short in
duration", for "éclair": it is assumed these were originally
smuggled in by subversive lexicographers - they were at one stage
dropped by the publisher (e.g. a "cake long in shape with cream and
chocolate icing"), but later reinstated as something of a tourist
attraction.
Chambers Dictionary Online
Reference
Some Interesting Comments from Chambers
Dictionary Users
I always saw Chambers as the Linux to Oxford's Windows:
everyone seems to overlook it. I bought mine on a recommendation
from a crossword enthusiast, and I didn't regret it.
While I would consider Oxford's layout to be slightly superior,
the Chambers system is still very good, with words picked out in
heavy bold and their definitions rendered in delicate type. The
definitions themselves are nicely written and, in a departure
from OED, sometimes deliberately funny. This kind of thing might
not appeal to those looking for a straight-faced treatise on the
English language, but it is a nice way to break the monotony.
As far as content goes, Chambers is really no better or worse
than the single volume OED alternative, so if you intend to buy
one or the other, I would have a quick flick through both before
comitting. Layout and "feel" are the only real points of
contention when choosing a dictionary (especially between these
two). Those who opt for Chambers' effort will not feel
short-changed.
----------------
Ever since my grammar school days I have used only Oxford
dictionaries. Purchasing the Chambers
makes me feel like I am having an affair with another. Is the
Chambers worthy of the risk of a
long-lastig crisis of conscience?
Well, it is a very large tome. A tome with a ribbon marker;
something which neither my Shorter
Oxford nor Concise Oxford have. More cabin baggage-on-a-trolley
format than the Concise Oxford's
briefcase format.
The page layout is modern - the use of a san-serif font gives
the page an uncluttered look. The
headwords are printed in bold letters and the rest in normal
letters. The Concise Oxford uses a
serif font for the definitions, which I find better.
None other than Melvyn Bragg wrote a short Foreword. It is quite
interesting, but one does get the
feeling that it is doing more to promote his book about the
history of English than sing the praises
of the Chambers 9th.
Pronunciation is indicated by a system of respelling which, if
you are used to the phonetic
alphabet, may be a problem. If, like me, the phonetic alphabet
was the problem, the system of
respelling will come as a blessing.
The encyclopeadic content of some other dictionaries is more or
less absent. The Oxford Paperback
English Dictionary has an entry about Stephen Leacock which you
will not find in Chambers.
Similarly, you will not find usage panels with helpful hints and
tips. I guess this is a dictionary
for advanced adults who rarely need guidance.
One of the selling-points of the Chambers is the coverage of
older English words. I have not
checked to see how many there are. I normally grab the Shorter
Oxford if I need to look up an
obscure word.
Now for some negative stuff. The couple of things mentioned
above were more sources of
disappointment than losers of valuable marks. However, there are
a couple of things which cause me
to intersperse the ticks with a couple of crosses. A word like
EUROSTAR. How long has this fast
train been in service? Well, you will not find it mentioned in
the Chambers 9th, but you will find
it in the Concise Oxford. As an aside: the Chambers Pocket
Dictionary of 2001 does not even have
the word EURO! The first cross for the Chambers 9th.
The second cross I have given for the layout of the word
entries. Chambers uses a block for the
headword and all related words. This text is, for some headwords
quite daunting indeed. No use is
made of numbers to distinguish between the nuances of meaning;
just play hunt the semicolon. All
derivatives of the headword are placed in that same block of
text in bold letters. For shorter
entries that is no problem. Forlonger ones, it makes finding
words a lot more tiresome. The word
ETHNIC will serve as an exampple. The adjective has in the
Concise Oxford 4 numbered definitions,
plus just one for the noun form. All the derivatives of ethnic
have their own headword entry down
the column. The Chambers has a block of text contiaing
semi-colons for the main definition followed
by all the derivative in one large block. Total size of all that
text: 7,5cm wide by 10,5 cm high!
If you really want a shock, turn to page 1375 and follow the
entry for SELF- (it is one block of
text extending on to page 1377). This definitely is a dictionary
for advanced adults.
The definitions are clear and helpful and do not really stand
out from other dictionaries - at most
multiple definitions are ordered differently.
To sum up, this dictionary is ideal for adult masochists who
neither need information about persons
or places, nor travel on the Eurostar nor mind searching for
semi-colons instead of being presented
with numbered definitions. My relationship with this book is
going to fall into the category
love-hate. A crisis of consicence will be the least of my
problems; I will willingly rish one. I
will use Oxford when I am tired and Chambers when my morning
coffee kicks in.
This dictionary deserves a place on your bookshelf. If in doubt,
visit the Chambers website and
view the pdf file extract of this and all their dictionaries.
-------------------------------------
I wanted to find out the meaning of the word "mommet" that
crops up in Hardy's "Tess of the Durbevilles". I looked through
increasingly large versions of the Oxford English Dictionary,
and only found it eventually in the two-volume Shorter Oxford.
However, when I turned to my Chambers Dictionary, it was right
there.
The point being, Chambers' style of categorising words under
similar roots allows it to cram far more into a single volume.
If you want lots of words, rather than long, encyclopaedic and
often repetitious, definitions, go for Chambers.
--------------------------------
The ultimate single volumed dictionary. This is the only
dictionary you'll ever need: invaluable for all crossword and
scrabble lovers. Don't be misled into buying the Chambers 21st
Century Dictionary, it's not as good as this one! Every home
should have one very good dictionary and if you want one to
serve you well for life then get this!
Try
a Free Online Dictionary
The online dictionary guide for free searches
Free
Online Dictionary Page 2
Try more free online dictionaries
Merriam
Websters Dictionary List
A complete list of products available from Merriam Websters Dictionary
Electronic
Dictionary Products
Compare electronic dictionary products from the main manufacturers
Saving
Money ideas
Some ideas to save money on your dictionary purchase and some
great freebies aswell
Dictionary
Downloads and Software
Software options and free dictionary downloads
Site Map
|
 Member Login
New member Our Network ADMK.in Site for AIADMK Great Hosting Review - Get an educated review of many web hosting companies. Consolidate My Bill - A fantastic credit card and debt consolidation resource site. Top Equity Loan - Resource rich site with top equity and other types of loans. Online Stock Central - Superb informational central on all aspects of stock market, trading, online websites and more. |
