📖 Overview
The Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners contains comprehensive coverage of contemporary English vocabulary and usage. With over 100,000 entries, this dictionary serves as a reference tool for upper-intermediate to advanced English language students.
The dictionary incorporates corpus-based research and frequency data to highlight the most important words and meanings. Clear definitions use controlled vocabulary to aid understanding, while example sentences demonstrate natural word usage in context.
The work includes grammatical information, collocations, phrasal verbs, and synonyms to support accurate language production. Additional features such as word formation patterns, usage notes, and study sections make this dictionary a resource for both receptive and productive language skills.
The dictionary reflects modern shifts in English language use across global contexts, acknowledging the evolving nature of communication in academic, professional and everyday settings. Its approach emphasizes practical application while maintaining linguistic rigor.
👀 Reviews
Students and teachers report this dictionary provides detailed word usage examples and clear definitions suitable for advanced ESL learners. Multiple reviews note the helpful collocations boxes and frequency indicators for common words.
Liked:
- Natural example sentences that show real-world usage
- Comprehensive phrasal verb coverage
- Red highlighting of common learner errors
- CD-ROM version allows quick searches
Disliked:
- Some words missing from more specialized/technical fields
- CD-ROM requires installation (no web version)
- Paper version is heavy to carry
- Price higher than some competing dictionaries
Ratings:
Amazon: 4.6/5 (238 reviews)
Goodreads: 4.4/5 (156 ratings)
One ESL teacher noted: "The error warnings help prevent common mistakes my students make." A student reviewer mentioned: "The examples show how natives actually use these words in sentences."
Most negative reviews focused on the digital format limitations rather than content quality.
📚 Similar books
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary by Oxford University Press
Contains over 185,000 words with phonetic transcriptions and usage examples for English language learners at an advanced level.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary by Cambridge University Press Presents definitions with collocations, idioms, and phrasal verbs through corpus-based research and authentic language examples.
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary by Collins Uses natural English definitions and real-world examples based on the Collins corpus of contemporary English usage.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English by Pearson Longman Incorporates frequency information and corpus data to demonstrate how words function in real-world contexts.
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's English Dictionary by Merriam-Webster Combines American English vocabulary with usage notes and word frequency guidance based on corpus analysis.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary by Cambridge University Press Presents definitions with collocations, idioms, and phrasal verbs through corpus-based research and authentic language examples.
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary by Collins Uses natural English definitions and real-world examples based on the Collins corpus of contemporary English usage.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English by Pearson Longman Incorporates frequency information and corpus data to demonstrate how words function in real-world contexts.
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's English Dictionary by Merriam-Webster Combines American English vocabulary with usage notes and word frequency guidance based on corpus analysis.
🤔 Interesting facts
📚 This dictionary pioneered the use of red "signpost" words to help learners quickly find different meanings of words with multiple definitions
🔤 It contains a unique "collocation box" system showing how words naturally combine with others in English, making it especially valuable for natural-sounding writing
📖 The dictionary was developed using a corpus of 220 million words, ensuring definitions reflect real, contemporary English usage
💡 It introduced an innovative star-rating system that shows learners which words are most essential to know, with three-star words being the most frequently used in English
🎓 The dictionary includes special attention to metaphorical meanings of words, helping learners understand the figurative ways native speakers use language