📖 Overview
The Cambridge Dictionary of American English serves as a comprehensive reference guide for English language learners. This dictionary contains over 40,000 words and phrases used in American English, with clear definitions written in simple language.
Each entry includes pronunciation guides, parts of speech, example sentences showing real-world usage, and notes on common word combinations. The dictionary incorporates specialized vocabulary from business, technology, and other fields that are relevant to modern American life.
The work stands as a reflection of how American English has evolved and continues to change through cultural shifts and linguistic developments. Its approach to defining and explaining American English demonstrates the practical differences between American and British English usage.
👀 Reviews
There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Sidney Landau's overall work:
Readers cite "Dictionaries: The Art and Craft of Lexicography" as a detailed guide to dictionary creation and history. Reviews highlight the book's clear explanations of complex lexicographical concepts and its practical insights into dictionary production.
What readers liked:
- Comprehensive coverage of dictionary-making processes
- Balance of technical detail and accessibility
- Real examples from dictionary publishing experience
- Clear writing style for technical subjects
What readers disliked:
- Dense academic language in certain sections
- Limited coverage of online dictionaries in earlier edition
- High textbook price point
- Some outdated publishing industry information
Ratings:
- Goodreads: 4.1/5 (42 ratings)
- Amazon: 4.7/5 (15 reviews)
One reader on Goodreads noted: "The most thorough explanation of how dictionaries are made that I've encountered." An Amazon reviewer mentioned: "Required reading for anyone interested in lexicography, though parts of the publishing discussion need updating."
📚 Similar books
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage by Merriam-Webster Editors
This reference work presents word meanings and usage patterns through examples from literature and journalism.
The American Heritage Dictionary by Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries The dictionary includes word histories, regional variations, and usage notes based on a panel of language experts.
Oxford Dictionary of American English by Oxford University Press This volume focuses on American English vocabulary with meanings relevant to contemporary American culture and society.
Random House Webster's College Dictionary by Random House Reference The dictionary incorporates new words and meanings from technology, popular culture, and current American usage.
Longman Dictionary of American English by Pearson Education This reference work presents definitions using core vocabulary and includes cultural information specific to American English speakers.
The American Heritage Dictionary by Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries The dictionary includes word histories, regional variations, and usage notes based on a panel of language experts.
Oxford Dictionary of American English by Oxford University Press This volume focuses on American English vocabulary with meanings relevant to contemporary American culture and society.
Random House Webster's College Dictionary by Random House Reference The dictionary incorporates new words and meanings from technology, popular culture, and current American usage.
Longman Dictionary of American English by Pearson Education This reference work presents definitions using core vocabulary and includes cultural information specific to American English speakers.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔸 Sidney Landau, the author, is considered one of the most influential modern lexicographers and wrote the groundbreaking text "Dictionaries: The Art and Craft of Lexicography"
🔸 This dictionary specifically addresses the challenges faced by English language learners by including special notes about commonly confused words and American cultural references
🔸 The dictionary contains over 40,000 entries and was developed in collaboration with Cambridge University Press, one of the oldest and most prestigious academic publishers in the world
🔸 Unlike traditional dictionaries, it includes numerous example sentences drawn from real American usage, helping learners understand how words are actually used in context
🔸 The dictionary features a unique color-coding system to help users quickly identify different parts of speech and word meanings, making it particularly user-friendly for students