An Elementary Latin Dictionary

An Elementary Latin Dictionary by Charlton T. Lewis and Charles Short serves as a standard reference work for students and scholars of Latin. This abridged version of their larger Latin dictionary provides core vocabulary and definitions needed for reading classical Latin texts. The dictionary contains over 35,000 entries with precise English translations and grammatical information for each word. The entries include examples of usage from classical authors and note variations in meaning across different time periods and contexts. The work follows established lexicographical principles while remaining accessible to intermediate Latin students. Its system of abbreviations and organizational structure set conventions that influenced later Latin dictionaries and reference works. The dictionary's enduring influence stems from its balance of scholarly rigor and practical utility for Latin language instruction. Its clear presentation of etymological relationships and semantic development demonstrates the evolution of Latin vocabulary through the classical period.

Many Latin students appreciate this dictionary's clear organization and manageable size compared to the complete Lewis & Short. Students note it contains sufficient vocabulary for reading Caesar, Cicero, and other common texts. Readers like: - Compact format fits on a desk - Easy to navigate entries - Good etymological information - Reasonable price for a hardcover Common criticisms: - Small print strains eyes - Paper quality feels thin - Some binding issues reported - Missing vocabulary for post-classical Latin - Lacks detailed grammatical explanations From Amazon (4.7/5 from 89 reviews): "Perfect size for students but print is microscopic" - Latin teacher "Sturdy reference but paper tears easily" - College student From Goodreads (4.4/5 from 32 ratings): "More practical than the larger version for daily use" "Wish entries included more usage examples" Multiple reviewers recommend it specifically for high school and undergraduate Latin students rather than advanced scholars.

A Latin Dictionary by Lewis and Short The dictionary serves as a classical guide to Latin words and their meanings including common literature citations.

Oxford Latin Dictionary by Peter G.W. Glare A lexicon containing Latin vocabulary from the earliest times to 200 CE with source citations and etymological notes.

Elementary Greek Grammar by William W. Goodwin The reference work presents Greek grammar principles with examples from classical texts and parallel structures to Latin.

Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar by James Bradstreet Greenough This grammar book explains Latin syntax and morphology through systematic classification and examples from Roman authors.

A Greek-English Lexicon by Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott The comprehensive dictionary covers Ancient Greek with definitions supported by quotations from primary texts.

📚 The dictionary was first published in 1891 as an abridged version of Lewis and Short's larger work, "A Latin Dictionary," making it more accessible to students. 🎓 Charlton T. Lewis, one of the authors, was not only a Latin scholar but also worked as an insurance actuary and wrote extensively about insurance mathematics. 📖 The dictionary contains approximately 35,000 entries, compared to the 90,000 entries in the unabridged version, focusing on words most commonly encountered in classical Latin literature. 🗂️ Unlike many modern dictionaries, it includes detailed information about the etymology of Latin words, tracing their origins to Greek and other ancient languages. 🏛️ The dictionary remained a standard reference work in American and British schools for over a century, and its public domain status has made it a valuable resource for modern digital Latin learning platforms.