Webster's New World Basic Dictionary Of American English: An Essential Literacy Reference―49,000 Words Clearly Defined for Adult and Beginning Readers

by Staff

In the United States, 20 percent of the adult population is marginally literate. Of these roughly 30 million people, approximately 1.8 million are enrolled in basic skills literacy programs. Webster's New World has created a dictionary that is uniquely designed to help these beginning readers.

Webster's New World Basic Dictionary of American English defines 49,000 of the most commonly used words in the American English lexicon. These are the words adult readers are most likely to encounter in newspapers and magazines, on job applications and product instructions, on advertising billboards and their children's school progress reports. The dictionary defines these words in clear, easy-to-understand language, using only words that are themselves defined in the dictionary, but never condescending to the adult reader. Definitions are liberally supplemented with example phrases and sentences that put words in context and help new readers understand meaning and usage. Special notes on synonyms help new readers differentiate between words with similar meanings. And selected illustrations help readers identify and remember words.

This quality paperback book is designed for ease of reading and use, as well as for durability. Primarily created for native English speakers, it is also a valuable reference for more advanced readers of English as a second language. From the editors of the prestigious Webster's New World College Dictionary, the Basic Dictionary of American English brings the full scholarship behind that work to this important new offering in the field of literacy.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Dictionaries, Language

1056 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

Reviews

[Eva Stahlheber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Etymologies much appreciated.

[Natalie Pietro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really sure if this counts as a reading book but I must say I referenced it many times in the 90's before computers got really popular. I believe my mother still has it in her kitchen cabinet for easy access. I just remember my brother taking it from someone's locker in high school and giving it to my mother. Why I still don't know but there was a big swear word on the spine of this paperback. My mother couldn't believe someone would write such a word in permanent black marker on the books spine. She was like "No, no, no!" and scribbled it out with more permanent black marker. Not sure why but it sure brings back memories. Not sure if I ever will reference this book today with all the easy access to electronics but it nice to see it from time to time and think of the days of having to search through a big dictionary to find the correct meaning or spelling of a word. Fun times todays kids will never understand.

[Todd Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the version I have... "Webster's New World Dictionary," with "Second College Edition" on the dark blue back cover. The front cover is missing, as I've had this for years (since college, actually... far too long ago to contemplate); likewise all the front pages except for the Foreword by Guralnik. It's been used but not abused. Absolutely essential on a writer's desk... or anyone who uses the language in any way shape or form.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witness in photo above the fragmentary cover remains of my copy of this nicely-sized dictionary -- not as large as a hardcover dictionary but not as small as a scrunched up and hard-to-keep-open paperback. This one got me through high school and college and yeoman service for games of Scrabble with my wife. The cover design is kind of nice, I have to say. 100,000 words.

[Km/h · Rating 5 out of 5]

essential

[Jeremy Preacher]

1960 edition. Smells so nice :)

[Bri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Alot of words......don't plan on reading it in your spare time!

[Cherrysong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am doing a competition starting the beginnig of summer with my friend to see who can read the dictionary first. I think I amgoing to win!

[Huma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful hand-me-down from my father.

[Carol]

Published 1984