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Product Description
Review
"Chambers is the one I keep at my right hand"
"The Chambers Dictionary stands out like a baroque mansion in a city of faceless concrete"
"To look up a word in Chambers is to be able to unpack its meaning and also to marvel at its compactness . . . . Chambers is an open door to words at their wittiest, most rooted, most revealing, and most powerful"
"This fossicking for undiscovered jewels is, of course, one of the chief pleasures of a dictionary . . . A page a day keeps the doddypolls at bay "
"Chambers is the kind of dictionary with which people who like to play with words begin to feel an affinity. Its vocabulary is so vast and variegated that crossword fans find it a valuable resource."
"We shall not rest until every Independent reader is saying to him or herself, 'I wonder what 'humdudgeon' means. I must just go and look it up.'"
"Scrabble players have traditionally used The Chambers Dictionary . . . . Never has cursing been so creative"
(The Guardian )"Chambers is the best one-volume dictionary from the wrong side of the Atlantic"
"authority and reliability"
(Telegraph )'The 12th edition of The Chambers Dictionary is the most useful and diverting single-volume work-hoard available. It's somehow good to know that a zizel is a chipmunk'
Product Description
The Chambers Dictionary, 12th Edition (Standard)
The dictionary of choice for word lovers
Immerse yourself in the most interesting, authoritative, and helpful English
dictionary available -- the unrivalled guide for word lovers. Whether you're an avid wordgamer or just enjoy revelling in the quirks and curiosities of the English language, The Chambers Dictionary is your ultimate companion. The Chambers Dictionary delves deep into all the glories of the English language, covering weird and wonderful words like spoffish, jobernowl, mullligrubs and humdudgeon, all the while ensuring it covers the latest developments in English. Meticulously researched and expertly written, the highly acclaimed Chambers range has been at the forefront of presenting knowledge and learning in an engaging and accessible way since it was first established in the 19th century.
Over 620,000 words, phrases, and meanings
First published in 1872, The Chambers Dictionary contains more words, phrases, and meanings than any other single-volume English dictionary. Rather than clog up space with lengthy definitions of everyday words, The Chambers Dictionary keeps them short, creating space for more intriguing, obscure, and historically-charged entries -- from alizari through to zuz. Peppered with witty definitions, Chambers is a pleasure to read.
Highlights gems of English
English is full of words that sound great, or that you never thought would exist. Only The Chambers Dictionary helps you discover them.
Unrivalled help for wordgames
Chambers is the dictionary of choice for crossword solvers, Scrabble(R) fans, and wordgame enthusiasts. The new Wordgame Companion section offers crossword code-breakers, indispensable two-letter word solutions, top-scoring Q and Z words, and much more.
What is new in this edition?
New words
Now in its 12th edition, the dictionary has been updated to include words and expressions that have entered the language in the four years since the last edition was published.
Word Lover's Miscellany
The 12th edition includes a Word Lover's Miscellany with list upon list of words to appeal to the English language addict:
- words to impress and surprise
- words to cherish
- words that are extinct
- words that merit rescue
- words to use in Scrabble(R) and other word games
- words to watch
- collective nouns
- useful similes
. . . and many more
Beautiful finishing touches:
Ribbon
The Chambers Dictionary is the only popular dictionary to still provide one. Why? Simply because people love them.
Beautifully flat on a desk
The Chambers Dictionary lies perfectly flat on a desk so you can read the whole page with ease - even into the spine.
Strong cloth binding, gold blocking, beautiful endpapers
The Chambers Dictionary is made to an incredibly high quality, guaranteed to withstand years of love.
Foiled cover
Foiling on the cover gives The Chambers Dictionary a luxurious aesthetic.
Less cumbersome than other dictionaries
Slimmer and easier to hold, despite the fact that it contains more words than any other single volume dictionary. And all without reducing text size. It's a neat trick.
*Thumb index
Only provided by Chambers. A standard version without a thumb index is also available (*this page is for the standard version). Copy and paste this ISBN number (9780550102416) into the search bar to treat yourself to the thumb indexed version.
The dictionary of choice for word lovers
Immerse yourself in the most interesting, authoritative, and helpful English
dictionary available -- the unrivalled guide for word lovers. Whether you're an avid wordgamer or just enjoy revelling in the quirks and curiosities of the English language, The Chambers Dictionary is your ultimate companion. The Chambers Dictionary delves deep into all the glories of the English language, covering weird and wonderful words like spoffish, jobernowl, mullligrubs and humdudgeon, all the while ensuring it covers the latest developments in English. Meticulously researched and expertly written, the highly acclaimed Chambers range has been at the forefront of presenting knowledge and learning in an engaging and accessible way since it was first established in the 19th century.
Over 620,000 words, phrases, and meanings
First published in 1872, The Chambers Dictionary contains more words, phrases, and meanings than any other single-volume English dictionary. Rather than clog up space with lengthy definitions of everyday words, The Chambers Dictionary keeps them short, creating space for more intriguing, obscure, and historically-charged entries -- from alizari through to zuz. Peppered with witty definitions, Chambers is a pleasure to read.
Highlights gems of English
English is full of words that sound great, or that you never thought would exist. Only The Chambers Dictionary helps you discover them.
Unrivalled help for wordgames
Chambers is the dictionary of choice for crossword solvers, Scrabble(R) fans, and wordgame enthusiasts. The new Wordgame Companion section offers crossword code-breakers, indispensable two-letter word solutions, top-scoring Q and Z words, and much more.
What is new in this edition?
New words
Now in its 12th edition, the dictionary has been updated to include words and expressions that have entered the language in the four years since the last edition was published.
Word Lover's Miscellany
The 12th edition includes a Word Lover's Miscellany with list upon list of words to appeal to the English language addict:
- words to impress and surprise
- words to cherish
- words that are extinct
- words that merit rescue
- words to use in Scrabble(R) and other word games
- words to watch
- collective nouns
- useful similes
. . . and many more
Beautiful finishing touches:
Ribbon
The Chambers Dictionary is the only popular dictionary to still provide one. Why? Simply because people love them.
Beautifully flat on a desk
The Chambers Dictionary lies perfectly flat on a desk so you can read the whole page with ease - even into the spine.
Strong cloth binding, gold blocking, beautiful endpapers
The Chambers Dictionary is made to an incredibly high quality, guaranteed to withstand years of love.
Foiled cover
Foiling on the cover gives The Chambers Dictionary a luxurious aesthetic.
Less cumbersome than other dictionaries
Slimmer and easier to hold, despite the fact that it contains more words than any other single volume dictionary. And all without reducing text size. It's a neat trick.
*Thumb index
Only provided by Chambers. A standard version without a thumb index is also available (*this page is for the standard version). Copy and paste this ISBN number (9780550102416) into the search bar to treat yourself to the thumb indexed version.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is the latest dictionary by Chambers. It offers a great selection of words and phrases over 1832 pages. In the centre of the book, there is a "Word Lover's Miscellany", an additional 64 pages of lots of different things: e.g. "50 words to surprise you", "25 words for intriguing things" or "66 formal words or familiar things" and many, many more.
With my last Chambers dictionary dating from 1995, sixteen years of development in the English language are certainly visible. The 2011 edition even features a list of out of use words that were deleted.
With my last Chambers dictionary dating from 1995, sixteen years of development in the English language are certainly visible. The 2011 edition even features a list of out of use words that were deleted.
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
My first 'proper' dictionary, many years ago, was the "Chambers 20th Century", of which this is the successor. I loved that dictionary, and I love this one, because I am fascinated by the English language - where it comes from, how it changes and evolves, and all the little idiosyncracies and curlicues that result.
In addition to the main dictionary itself, Chambers throws in the following:
- At the start, a short introductory "history of English" and observations on the global varieties of English which are now exerting ever more influence
- In the middle, some entertainment in the form of:
(a) Some miscellaneous lists of particularly evocative, obscure, interesting words
(b) 2-3 letter words for use in Scrabble
(c) Help in decoding cryptic crossword clues
- At the end, some useful reference information, including Periodic table, Beaufort scale for wind speed, champagne bottle sizes, etc.
However, the main delight remains the dictionary. The layout is clear and the font size not too small to be readable. On many pages you will find a shaded box highighting a particularly notable or interesting word. And the definitions are written with a clarity, brevity and wit that would make Samuel Johnson proud. I checked, and my personal favourite is still there:
eclair: a cake, long in shape but short in duration
In terms of the book itself, it smacks of quality throughout:
- Beautifully bound - when the paper dust-jacket rips (as it eventually will, with use) you have classy plain red boards with gold-stamped writing on the spine
- The spine is bound separately from the cover, so that the book naturally lies flat, open at whatever page has been chosen, without any damage. I have tested this from the first page to the last, and it works everywhere
- The paper is very thin, to reduce the thickness and weight over the overall book, but strong and crisp. It is slightly translucent, similar to some Bibles, but the printing is so clear and well laid out that the minor "show through" from the reverse is not a problem.
- a simple ribbon book mark is built-in
If you do not own a decent dictionary, or if your existing one is getting a bit tired and dishevelled, get this one. There is no better on the market for this price.
In addition to the main dictionary itself, Chambers throws in the following:
- At the start, a short introductory "history of English" and observations on the global varieties of English which are now exerting ever more influence
- In the middle, some entertainment in the form of:
(a) Some miscellaneous lists of particularly evocative, obscure, interesting words
(b) 2-3 letter words for use in Scrabble
(c) Help in decoding cryptic crossword clues
- At the end, some useful reference information, including Periodic table, Beaufort scale for wind speed, champagne bottle sizes, etc.
However, the main delight remains the dictionary. The layout is clear and the font size not too small to be readable. On many pages you will find a shaded box highighting a particularly notable or interesting word. And the definitions are written with a clarity, brevity and wit that would make Samuel Johnson proud. I checked, and my personal favourite is still there:
eclair: a cake, long in shape but short in duration
In terms of the book itself, it smacks of quality throughout:
- Beautifully bound - when the paper dust-jacket rips (as it eventually will, with use) you have classy plain red boards with gold-stamped writing on the spine
- The spine is bound separately from the cover, so that the book naturally lies flat, open at whatever page has been chosen, without any damage. I have tested this from the first page to the last, and it works everywhere
- The paper is very thin, to reduce the thickness and weight over the overall book, but strong and crisp. It is slightly translucent, similar to some Bibles, but the printing is so clear and well laid out that the minor "show through" from the reverse is not a problem.
- a simple ribbon book mark is built-in
If you do not own a decent dictionary, or if your existing one is getting a bit tired and dishevelled, get this one. There is no better on the market for this price.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
110 years after the first edition the Chambers Dictionary, 12th edition published this year continues to show why it is a leader in the field. As with previous editions, there is a concise but useful short history of the English language, followed by a brief account of the varieties of English - British, American, Australian, Canadian, and also English in South Africa and India. A two-page guide on how to use this dictionary is very useful, as is the two-page spelling guide. The pronunciation chart produces the full and comprehensive range of pronunciation using symbols and examples that are extremely easy to understand, and thus one is able to pronounce a difficult word confidently using this chart. There is a simplified version running in one line at the bottom of every page. In the majority of cases, this version would be adequate.
Chambers usually maintains definitions of words not found in other dictionaries, for example, "Antisyzygy", "noun. a union of opposites" is not found even in the Shorter Oxford. Neither is "Antiphrasis". As an example of the style and quality of definitions used, Chambers defines "sophisticate" as "vt to give a fashionable air of worldly wisdom to; to make (eg a machine) highly complex and efficient; to make sophistic; to adulterate, falsify. vi to practise sophistry. n a sophisticated person. adj old) sophisticated." Chambers defines "talion" as (legal hist) n like for like; retaliation." The Shorter Oxford defines it as "Retaliation". The user will also find numerous "starred words" that is, words such as "abbot of unreason" highlighted in boxes marked with a star. These are words that have gone out of use but which the editors believe retain a charm that might see them used again.
Finally, the 12th edition introduces a fascinating 64-page "Word Lover's Miscellany" describing lists of "weasel words", "27 cringeworthy words", "66 formal words for familiar things"; and a wordgame companion that has a list of two-letter words for wordgames, words with "J, Q, X, and Z". This dictionary is useful, pleasant, and fun to use.
Chambers usually maintains definitions of words not found in other dictionaries, for example, "Antisyzygy", "noun. a union of opposites" is not found even in the Shorter Oxford. Neither is "Antiphrasis". As an example of the style and quality of definitions used, Chambers defines "sophisticate" as "vt to give a fashionable air of worldly wisdom to; to make (eg a machine) highly complex and efficient; to make sophistic; to adulterate, falsify. vi to practise sophistry. n a sophisticated person. adj old) sophisticated." Chambers defines "talion" as (legal hist) n like for like; retaliation." The Shorter Oxford defines it as "Retaliation". The user will also find numerous "starred words" that is, words such as "abbot of unreason" highlighted in boxes marked with a star. These are words that have gone out of use but which the editors believe retain a charm that might see them used again.
Finally, the 12th edition introduces a fascinating 64-page "Word Lover's Miscellany" describing lists of "weasel words", "27 cringeworthy words", "66 formal words for familiar things"; and a wordgame companion that has a list of two-letter words for wordgames, words with "J, Q, X, and Z". This dictionary is useful, pleasant, and fun to use.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Collins dictionary
Arrived in record time, very pleased with it, up to date regarding ''new'' words, very comprehensive. Thoroughly recommend
if updating you dictionary.
if updating you dictionary.
Published 6 days ago by rosmarin
reference
I am very pleased with Chambers Dictionary good size print in the middle is a special section with a miscellany of unusual words, collective nouns, slang words etc:
excellent... Read more
excellent... Read more
Published 16 days ago by joyful
chambers 12th whats new with words?
Here are some new words from the 12 th edition
agroterror
agroterrors
agroterrorist
agroterrorists
backronym
backronyms
bahookie... Read more
agroterror
agroterrors
agroterrorist
agroterrorists
backronym
backronyms
bahookie... Read more
Published 19 days ago by A. F. Kalayzich
A masterpiece of presentation
This dictionary reeks quality and will enhance any bookshelf or collection. It is pure delight to use - so well set out and researched. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Anthony James Western
Brilliant
A brilliant dictionary and an amazing price. I haven't failed to find a word I've looked up - yet! I use it everyday when I do a crossword. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Gwyn
Did not diappoint
My previous Chambers dictionary was over twenty years old so I thought I needed to update. I discovered that I had bought another excellent dictionary which explained the meanings... Read more
Published 2 months ago by wedding
Great for Crossword addicts
Both my husband and I are crossword addicts and so a good up-to-date dictionary is vital. This ticks all the boxes. Only downside is that it's very heavy!
Published 3 months ago by JanH
Words Fail Me (not!)
My last dictionary still had my school form number stamped in it! So being an avid codeword completer and noticing that this Chambers Dictionary was the crossword compilers... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Martin
Almost perfect......
I have said before that Chambers is the only dictionary for serious crossword-puzzlers; not only is its content and presentation unmatched, but its build will stand up cheerfully... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Brian Haydock
Dictionary Corner
Have been moaning about 'concise'dictionaries for years,words that once would have been included have now by committee been expunged from common use. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Cross o holic
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