It is time to update my basic English dictionary. While words such as "gifting" and "utilize" are like nails on a chalkboard to me, usage keeps evolving, and my hand-me-down, mid-1960s Webster's Collegiate is falling apart. I do use http://www.onelook.com, but I still would like to have a hard copy. (Yes, I admit that I like to just flip through it and find interesting words; I am odd like that ).
Any recommendations/preferences? Merriam-Webster? Oxford American Usage? Oh to have the money and space for a full edition OED!
Thanks, Cheryl
Edited by Bennet (11/15/0701:08 PM)
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My favorite dictionary of all time is the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. It uses a usage panel of over 150 grammar notables (writers, editors, scholars, linguists)--I'm not on it-- :)-- who opinions are found in hundreds of notes on grammar, diction, pronunciation, and levels and nuances of usage. The panel addresses new and evolving patterns of usage and evaluates the currency of such usage. Besides the word etymologies, which are more detailed than in many other dictionaries, contained within the definitions, it has over 400 word history paragraphs (one of my favorite features!). It also has more than 100 notes on regional language varitions. If you just like to browse a dictionary, this is definitely the one!
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Originally Posted By: Bennet
(Yes, I admit that I like to just flip through it and find interesting words; I am odd like that ).
Count me among the oddities, as well. I have a MASSIVE 1920s dictionary for which I'm going to get a stand simply because I love it and can spend ages browsing through it, and it's too heavy to put on my lap.
Quote:
Oh to have the money and space for a full edition OED!
Amen!
Sorry, nothing really to contribute beyond that because I'm in the same boat you are - but I'll be checking out the responses.
). 
