Macquarie Dictionary Seventh Edition
Does not imply availability
Description
'It is not just the meaning of a word but the feel of a word that counts. The end result when we wish to compile a list of these particular words is a dictionary that characterises us as a community.' Kate Grenville, international award-winning Australian author. The Macquarie Dictionary Seventh Edition -- Australia's National Dictionary is a comprehensive and up-to-date dictionary of Australian English. It covers words and meanings which are particular to our variety of English, as well as those common to the whole English-speaking world, with evidence sourced from corpus data. The Seventh Edition features thousands of new words and senses, such as grandcare, rumbler alarm, fitspiration, modest wear, cool burn, freecycle, grolar bear, digital tattoo, listicle, captain's call, robopoll, vamping, spiraliser and slackpacking. It also includes: · words and phrases from regional Australia · slang and colloquialisms · words from Aboriginal English · etymologies (word origins) · illustrative phrases, many from Australian literature, which clearly show how a word is used in context · valuable usage notes to clarify common language questions · a guide to punctuation · Foreword by Kate Grenville, international award-winning Australian author The Macquarie Dictionary -- Australia's National Dictionary was first published in 1981, and is now both nationally and internationally regarded as the standard reference on Australian English.
AI Overview
The "Macquarie Concise Dictionary Seventh Edition" by Macquarie Dictionary is not a narrative book but a reference dictionary focused on Australian English. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book, including its key themes, features, and critical reception:
Key Themes and Features
Australian English: The dictionary provides an up-to-date reference of Australian English, covering both words and meanings specific to Australia and those common to the whole English-speaking world[1][2][3].
New Words and Definitions: It includes hundreds of new words and definitions such as "Bechdel test," "fat-shame," "freecycle," "lane filtering," and "robopoll," which reflect contemporary language usage[1][3][4].
Technology and Social Media Terms: The dictionary includes words related to technology, the internet, and social media, such as "big data," "cyberwarrior," "digital tattoo," "domotics," "dox," "listicle," "live-tweet," and "smart buoy"[1][3].
Regional Australian Phrases: It includes words and phrases from regional Australia, such as "early minute," "four-pointer," "mufti day," and "Stobie pole"[1][3].
Illustrative Phrases and Usage Notes: The dictionary features illustrative phrases that clearly show how a word is used in context, along with extensive usage notes and etymologies (word origins)[1][3].
Online Subscription: Each copy includes a free six-month subscription to the Macquarie Dictionary Online, which is Australia's National Dictionary[1].
Critical Reception
The Macquarie Dictionary is widely regarded as the standard reference on Australian English. It has been praised for its comprehensive coverage of Australian language, including both formal and informal usage. The inclusion of new words and definitions has been particularly noted, reflecting the dynamic nature of language in Australia.
Susan Butler, the chief editor of the first seven editions, was instrumental in shaping the dictionary and ensuring its accuracy and relevance. Her retirement in 2018 marked a significant milestone in the dictionary's history, but the Seventh Edition continues to uphold the high standards set by her and her team[5].
Conclusion
The "Macquarie Concise Dictionary Seventh Edition" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Australian English, providing a rich and accessible guide to the language. Its inclusion of new words, extensive usage notes, and etymologies make it a comprehensive reference for both general readers and scholars alike. Its critical reception reflects its status as a standard authority on Australian English.