Macquarie Dictionary
By: Macquarie Library
About This Book
This fifth edition of the Macquarie, measuring a new awareness of environment and fragility, will mark a turning of the tide in our consciousness, in the span of our response, in the way we give voice to place – and place to voice. (Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia)Since the Macquarie Dictionary was first published in 1981, its reputation as Australia's national dictionary has gone from strength to strength. It is now nationally and internationally regarded as the standard reference on Australian English. A comprehensive and up-to-date account of our variety of English, it not only includes all those words and senses peculiar to Australian English, but also those common to the whole English-speaking world.
AI Overview
The "Macquarie Dictionary" by Macquarie Library is not a novel but a comprehensive reference book that serves as Australia's national dictionary. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes and Content
Standard Reference on Australian English:
- The Macquarie Dictionary is nationally and internationally regarded as the standard reference on Australian English, providing an up-to-date account of the variety of English used in Australia.
Comprehensive Record of English:
- It includes a comprehensive record of English as it is used in Australia today, featuring the latest new words, such as "bossware," "coercive control," "infodemic," and "long COVID".
Inclusion of New Words and Senses:
- Each edition includes thousands of new words and senses, reflecting the evolving language landscape. For example, the Seventh Edition includes words like "grandcare," "rumbler alarm," "fitspiration," and "digital tattoo".
Illustrative Phrases and Contextual Usage:
- The dictionary includes illustrative phrases that clearly show how a word is used in context, often from Australian literature or regional dialects.
Regional Vocabulary and Etymologies:
- It covers vocabulary and usages from regional Australia, as well as etymologies of words and phrases, providing a rich historical context.
Extensive Usage Notes:
- The dictionary features extensive usage notes to help users understand the nuances of word usage in different contexts.
Editions and Features
Ninth Edition:
- The latest edition includes updated entries to reflect changing perspectives on the environment, society, politics, technology, and the internet. It also features a foreword by Markus Zusak, an international bestselling author.
Seventh Edition:
- This edition includes thousands of new words and senses, such as "grandcare," "rumbler alarm," and "digital tattoo." It features illustrative phrases, words from regional Australia, and extensive usage notes.
Critical Reception
The Macquarie Dictionary has been widely praised for its comprehensive coverage of Australian English. It is considered an essential resource for anyone interested in the language, whether they are linguists, writers, or simply curious about the nuances of Australian English.
Availability
The Macquarie Dictionary is available in both book and electronic forms. Users can also access a free 12-month subscription to the Macquarie Dictionary and Thesaurus Online.
In summary, the Macquarie Dictionary is a seminal work in Australian linguistics, providing a detailed and authoritative guide to the language as it is used in Australia. Its comprehensive coverage, inclusion of new words, and contextual usage notes make it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Australian English.