How to Choose the Right Dictionary: Best Options for Every Reader & Learner
Don’t look so sullen! Like planning a wedding or moving across the country, buying a new dictionary can be overwhelming, especially with all the choices available to you. After all, you’re about to take on possession of an item containing the definitions of several hundred thousands of words. It’s a huge responsibility! There are many great dictionaries available for purchase, and the best one for you will depend on your budget, needs and preferences — as well as how smart you are. If you are very smart, then you’ll probably need a very big dictionary that can hold all of the words you already know. If you are dumb, you should probably start with a much more simple and elementary dictionary that can talk to you at your level. If you’re a writer or a student who is being forced to write, then owning a good dictionary is essential. Here are some highly recommended options:
1. Should I buy the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)?
The cream of the dictionary crop! Considered by many to be the most authoritative English-language dictionary, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a comprehensive resource that includes historical definitions and etymologies. Owning a physical 20-volume copy of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is an excellent investment for anyone interested in word and the English language’s many layered nuances. The OED is a comprehensive and authoritative resource, not to mention exhaustive, containing over 600,000 words and phrases with detailed etymologies and historical definitions. The OED’s literary quotations provide a glimpse into the literary and cultural history of the English-speaking world. A physical copy of the OED is also an elegant and impressive addition to any bookshelf or library, making it a valuable collector’s item. Ultimately, owning a physical copy of the OED allows one to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the English language — while providing a tangible link to its past and present. The dictionary’s historical depth, cultural significance, and accuracy make it an invaluable resource for research, personal enrichment, and language lovers. Not to mention that it’s an impressive collector’s item! If your guests are the kind of people that would be impressed by a complete OED, then they will almost certainly be impressed seeing your OED when they visit, and you should definitely check out our stand-alone content on the OED.
WARNING! It is not cheap and could run you over $1,000 — but it’s still way cheaper than college!
Click to purchase the 20-Volume Oxford English Dictionary!
2. Should I purchase the Pocket Oxford American Dictionary & Thesaurus?
The Pocket Oxford American Dictionary & Thesaurus is an essential and handy tool for anyone who wants to improve their vocabulary and writing skills — even if you already consider yourself smart! This is a very compact yet pretty comprehensive reference book combines a dictionary and a thesaurus in one, making it a convenient and time-saving resource for writers, students, and professionals alike. With over 150,000 words and phrases, this book provides clear and concise definitions, along with synonyms and antonyms for every word, helping you to choose the perfect word for any situation. Plus, the book’s compact size and durable cover make it easy to take with you wherever you go, making it a must-have for anyone who wants to communicate with clarity and confidence.
Click to buy the The Pocket Oxford American Dictionary & Thesaurus!
3. Should I purchase the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary?
The Merriam-Webster brand is well-known even if you are not smart, and the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary is a highly recommended resource for anyone looking for a good easily-accessible dictionary. It provides clear definitions, usage notes, and pronunciation guidance for over 225,000 words and phrases. That’s a lot of words! It could take a lifetime to learn them all! The dictionary is updated regularly, reflecting contemporary language usage and including new words and meanings. In fact, it’s kind of a big deal among word people when they release their annual Word of the Year that attempts to capture the spirit of the last particular twelve (12) months. The Collegiate Dictionary is also very easy to use and provides guidance on proper usage of the word — making it an excellent resource for anyone who wants to maintain and improve their writing skills. They even have a daily Word of the Day that is popular with people who fancy themselves academics. Perhaps no brand does more to encourage a love for words than Merriam-Webster. It’s America’s best-selling dictionary for a reason!
Click to buy the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary!
4. Is the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language worth buying?
The 5th edition of the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language is a very solid dictionary; solid not only in its hefty hardcover presentation but also solid in the depth of material it covers. This dictionary contains over 200,000 entries, with detailed definitions, usage notes, and etymologies that provide a deeper understanding of the language and the proper use of the words in context. And pictures! Lots and lots of pictures, which is perfect for people who want a dictionary but would prefer to read much less words. The dictionary also features a color-coded system that distinguishes the different types of entries, making it easy to use. Overall, the American Heritage Dictionary is a comprehensive and authoritative resource highly regarded for its accuracy, usage notes, and clear presentation. However, as good as it is, tho, the most current edition was published in 2011, so young adults may find the dictionary lacking in many terms they grew up with.
Click to buy the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language!
5. Should I get the Collins English Dictionary?
The latest edition of the Collins English Dictionary is an absolute banger — the largest single-volume English dictionary you can get your hands on. With over 730,000 words and phrases, including comprehensive coverage of technical and scientific vocabulary, this British dictionary is one of the largest and most comprehensive dictionaries available. It’s even modern enough to include terms like “lol” and “Covid-19.” The dictionary’s clear layout and easy-to-use format make it an easy-to-use experience for anyone wishing to have a big-ass physical dictionary nearby. Overall, the Collins English Dictionary is a comprehensive, up-to-date, and accessible resource that is widely regarded for its accuracy and ease of use.
Click on the duck to buy your own Collins English Dictionary!
6. Is The Longman Dictionary of American English any good?
This dictionary is pretty much perfect for young readers and for non-native speakers of English who are attempting to learn the language. The Longman Dictionary of American English provides clear definitions, example sentences, and usage notes. It’s actually a perfect beginning dictionary, with a vocabulary so simple that you won’t need another more advanced dictionary to look up the definition of the words they’re using to describe the first word. The 5th Edition is supposed to come with some sort of PIN that lets you access online resources but unfortunately, there are customer complaints about them being insufficient or inaccessible with lackluster customer services. When you understand that the Longman brand is managed by Pearson Education, it makes a lot of sense. If you’ve been burned by Pearson and their resources in the past, you may want to skip this one — but maybe a physical-only copy of The Longman Dictionary of American English would be less trouble than what Pearson may put you through.
Click on the phones to buy The Longman Dictionary of American English!
Final Thoughts on Buying a Dictionary!
Ultimately, the best dictionary for you will depend on your needs, preferences, and budget. Consider factors such as the level of detail you require, how much you’re willing to spend on a new dictionary, and how intelligent you are. Regardless of your choice in dictionary, we encourage you to get the most out of the words therein so you create them into new stories like a regular Ernest Hemingway or Mary Shelley or J.D. Salinger or Nathaniel Hawthorne or Virginia Woolf!
Curious about what other reference books you should buy and possess? Check out our Ultimate Guide to 9 Reference Books You Must Own!
Cover Image Credit: Image by Enrique Meseguer from Pixabay
*****This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thank you for reading!*****
