📖 Overview
Le Petit Robert is a comprehensive single-volume French dictionary first published in 1967 by lexicographer Paul Robert. The work stands as a condensed version of Robert's larger eight-volume dictionary, making French language reference accessible in a more practical format.
The dictionary contains over 60,000 words and 300,000 meanings, providing detailed etymologies, pronunciation guides, and contemporary usage examples. Regular updates keep the content current with modern French language evolution, incorporating new terms and reflecting changes in usage patterns.
Le Petit Robert has established itself as a standard reference work in French education and professional settings, with both print and digital editions widely used throughout France and other French-speaking regions. The dictionary maintains strict editorial standards in its definitions while presenting information in a clear, systematic format.
The work represents a significant contribution to French lexicography, balancing scholarly rigor with practical utility for daily language reference needs. Its continued relevance after multiple decades demonstrates its essential role in documenting and preserving French linguistic heritage.
👀 Reviews
This appears to be a misunderstanding - Le Petit Robert is not a book for reading, but rather a popular French dictionary first published by Paul Robert in 1967. It's a reference work used for looking up French words and their definitions.
French speakers describe it as their go-to dictionary for everyday use. Students and language learners value its clear explanations and examples of usage. Professional translators rely on its precision in defining modern French vocabulary.
Criticisms focus on its price (around €65 new) and the small font size used in print editions. Some users report the binding can fall apart with heavy use.
The digital/app version receives lower ratings (3.2/5 on Google Play) due to technical issues and subscription costs. Users complain about crashes and slow search functionality.
No traditional book ratings exist on Goodreads or Amazon since it's a reference dictionary rather than a book meant to be read cover-to-cover.
📚 Similar books
Le Grand Larousse by Larousse Editorial Team
This French language dictionary provides comprehensive etymological details and usage examples for modern and historical French vocabulary.
Oxford English Dictionary by Oxford University Press Editorial Staff This reference work traces the evolution of English words through historical quotations and detailed etymological research.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary by Merriam-Webster Editorial Staff The dictionary combines linguistic scholarship with contemporary usage to document American English language development.
Collins Robert French Dictionary by Beryl T. Atkins and Alain Duval This bilingual dictionary bridges French and English with contextual examples and idiomatic expressions.
Trésor de la Langue Française by Paul Imbs and Bernard Quemada This multi-volume French dictionary presents extensive word histories and chronicles language evolution from the 19th century to present.
Oxford English Dictionary by Oxford University Press Editorial Staff This reference work traces the evolution of English words through historical quotations and detailed etymological research.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary by Merriam-Webster Editorial Staff The dictionary combines linguistic scholarship with contemporary usage to document American English language development.
Collins Robert French Dictionary by Beryl T. Atkins and Alain Duval This bilingual dictionary bridges French and English with contextual examples and idiomatic expressions.
Trésor de la Langue Française by Paul Imbs and Bernard Quemada This multi-volume French dictionary presents extensive word histories and chronicles language evolution from the 19th century to present.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 The dictionary's creation was inspired by Paul Robert's experience as a prisoner during World War II, where he began collecting words to maintain his sanity.
🔹 Le Petit Robert adds approximately 150-200 new words each year, reflecting the dynamic evolution of the French language.
🔹 The first edition took nearly 15 years to complete, with a team of more than 100 lexicographers working on the project.
🔹 The digital version includes audio pronunciations for over 165,000 words, making it an invaluable resource for language learners.
🔹 Unlike many dictionaries, Le Petit Robert includes dated quotations from literature and media to show how word usage has changed over time.