The best online English dictionary?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the selection of an online English dictionary, focusing on credibility and the importance of different sources. Participants explore various dictionaries, their features, and the relevance of regional differences in English usage.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the most credible online English dictionary and questions the significance of credibility.
  • Another participant suggests the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) as a highly credible source, noting its subscription cost.
  • A different participant expresses interest in checking university subscriptions to the OED due to its cost.
  • One participant shares a link to the Cambridge Dictionary and notes the historical significance of Cambridge Press.
  • Another participant mentions that they do not often notice significant differences in definitions across dictionaries, primarily observing variations in word inclusion.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of choosing between British English and American English, recommending Oxford for British English and Merriam-Webster for American English.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on which dictionary is the best, with no consensus reached on a single source. There are competing views regarding the importance of regional variations in English.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of subscription costs or the specific features that might differentiate dictionaries beyond credibility.

waht
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I need to quote and cite from an online English dictionary. There is so many, I'm looking for the most credible, or does it really matter?
 
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The OED is online. Can't get more credible than that. It is not, however, free. Or even cheap. It's $30/month in North America.
 
wow, for that price I'm sure it is, I'll check if the univ is subscribed.
 
I don't usually notice much difference in the definitions provided from one dictionary to the next. The usual difference I notice is just whether or not some words are included.
 
rootX said:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/about.asp

I didn't know Cambridge Press is that old (1584-present) http://www.cambridge.org/emea/.

Off topic but interesting that many of the oldest universities are from Middle East (i.e. before 1100s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_oldest_universities_in_continuous_operation
It depends on if you want British English or American English. Oxford is great for British English, but Merriam-Webster would be the best for American English.

www.m-w.com
 

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