The Macquarie Thesaurus
Companion to The Macquarie Dictionary 4th Edition
About This Book
"A thesaurus can be a quick way to find a forgotten word, or a leisurely way to explore a language. We hope both paths are well provided for in this book" (Richard Tardif, Editor)Macquarie Thesaurus is the first thesaurus ever written to be based on the distinctly Australian use of English. This new edition has been totally reworked from the database of the highly-respected Macquarie Dictionary and updated from its store of new words.It therefore contains a wide range of contemporary words, both general and technical, as well as many phrases and colloquialisms. In the technical domain there are items such as digital watermark, extraordinary rendition, bioregion, narcodollar and webinar. Colloquialisms include emo, ubersexual, tottymungous and booty call. Phrases abound so, for example, a foolish person can be described as mad as a two-bob watch, silly as a wet hen, or nutty as a fruitcake. Traditional Australian words such as digger and churinga are included, but there are also newer creations such as baby bonus, barbecue stopper and Australian values. Aboriginal English is represented also with such general items as smoking ceremony, Aboriginal customary law, booliman (policeman), and yandi (marijuana), and informal terms such as cheeky (unpredictable and dangerous), deadly (excellent), sulky (angry) and flash (brazen).
AI Overview
"The Macquarie Thesaurus" is a reference book that provides a comprehensive collection of synonyms and related words for Australian English. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes and Content
- Australian English Focus: The thesaurus is specifically designed to cover the rich and diverse vocabulary of Australian English, drawing from the highly respected Macquarie Dictionary.
- Up-to-Date Entries: It includes contemporary terms such as biodiesel, bromance, cyberbully, data haven, skillshare, tweet, and vertical garden, reflecting the evolving nature of language.
- Synonyms and Related Words: The book contains over 37,000 definitions and 85,000 synonyms, making it a valuable resource for finding the right word in context.
Format and Usage
- Portable and Affordable: The thesaurus is designed to be both portable and affordable, making it an ideal reference for use at home, school, or the office.
- Easy-to-Use Format: It features a dictionary-style format for easy reference, with a wide range of words and phrases from colloquial to scientifically specific.
Critical Reception
While there are no specific reviews available for "The Macquarie Thesaurus" on platforms like Goodreads, the Macquarie Dictionary & Thesaurus, which is closely related, has received positive feedback for its comprehensive coverage of Australian English and its up-to-date entries.
Summary
"The Macquarie Thesaurus" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their vocabulary or find the perfect word in Australian English. Its comprehensive coverage, up-to-date entries, and easy-to-use format make it an essential tool for writers, students, and professionals alike.
Availability
The book is available in various editions, including the Macquarie Budget Thesaurus and the Macquarie Concise Thesaurus, which are based on the respected Macquarie Dictionary.