Diccionario de uso del español
H - Z.
By: María Moliner
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AI Overview
The "Diccionario de uso del español" (Dictionary of Usage of Spanish) by María Moliner is a seminal work in Spanish lexicography, renowned for its comprehensive and innovative approach to defining Spanish words. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
Comprehensive Coverage: The dictionary includes over 90,000 entries, with more than 190,000 meanings and sub-meanings, making it one of the most extensive Spanish dictionaries of its time.
Synonyms and Expressions: Moliner's dictionary not only provides definitions but also includes sections on synonyms, idioms, expressions, and word families. This comprehensive coverage helps users understand the nuances of Spanish vocabulary.
Cultural and Everyday Usage: The dictionary is enriched with terms used in everyday life, including those from media and street language, which are not typically found in the Real Academia Española Dictionary.
Lexicographic Innovation: Moliner's approach was innovative for its time. She predicted the future format of the Royal Academy’s Dictionary by including words that began with "LL" in the "L" section and words that began with "Ch" in the "C" section, a practice that was later adopted by the Royal Academy until 1994.
Updated Editions: The dictionary has undergone several revisions, including the addition of new entries such as "internet," "e-mail," "blog," "chat," and "computer," reflecting the cultural changes of the world.
Plot Summary
The dictionary was first published in two volumes between 1966 and 1967. Moliner's work on the dictionary began after she was inspired by her son's English learner's dictionary, which she felt could be adapted for Spanish. With the sponsorship of academic Dámaso Alonso, she signed a contract with the publisher "Gredos" in 1955. The dictionary's structure includes not only definitions but also detailed information on synonyms, idioms, and word families, making it a valuable resource for learners and native speakers alike.
Critical Reception
The "Diccionario de uso del español" has received widespread acclaim for its comprehensive and practical approach to Spanish vocabulary. Gabriel García Márquez praised the dictionary, calling it "the most complete, most useful, most diligent and most amusing dictionary of the Castilian language".
Academic Recognition: María Moliner was proposed for admission to the Real Academia de la Lengua Española in 1972 in recognition of her lexicographic accomplishment.
User Reviews: On Goodreads, the book has received high ratings, with users praising its utility and completeness. One reviewer described it as their "most precious dictionary".
Additional Features
New Appendices: The updated editions include new appendices such as one on topónimos (place names) and gentilicios (surnames), each with over 6,000 entries, as well as an appendix on abbreviations and symbols.
Lexicographic Technique: Moliner's work on the Estudio de Filología de Aragón (1916–1921) provided an introduction to lexicographic techniques, which influenced her approach to the dictionary.
In summary, the "Diccionario de uso del español" by María Moliner is a groundbreaking work in Spanish lexicography, known for its comprehensive coverage, innovative approach, and practical utility. Its critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, making it a staple in Spanish language learning and reference.