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Shorter Oxford English Dictionary | 
 enlarge | Creator: Oxford University Press
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Category: Book
List Price: $99.95
Buy New: $56.99
You Save: $42.96 (43%)
New (26) Used (6) from $56.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  23 reviews
Sales Rank: 65096
Platforms: Windows Xp, Windows Vista
Media: CD-ROM
Edition: 6
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 24
Discs: 1
Operating System: Windows Vista
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 5.4 x 0.7 x 7.6
ISBN: 0199231761
Dewey Decimal Number: 423
EAN: 9780199231768
ASIN: 0199231761
Publication Date: September 20, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New, Perfect Condition, Please allow 4-14 business days for delivery. 100% Money Back Guarantee, Over 1,000,000 customers served.
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Product Description
The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on CD-ROM features the full text of the Sixth Edition of the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, which is a complete update of this unique reference work. Based on the 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary, the "Shorter" contains an incredible one-third of the coverage of the Oxford English Dictionary , is just one-tenth of the size, and includes all words in current English from 1700 to the present day, with senses organized chronologically, plus the vocabulary of Shakespeare, the Bible and other major works in English from before 1700.
The CD-ROM is designed to run on both Windows and Apple Macintosh computers. With an elegant interface providing quick and intutitive searching, it also has advanced searching facilities for in-depth exploration, allowing searching of the definitions, eytmologies, subject, geographical region of use, register, and source language, as well as the ability to limit searches by the date of a word's first recorded usage. There is also an automatic look-up facility; by double-clicking on a word in a document or web page the user can view the entry for that word. Sound recordings enable you to listen to standard British pronunciations for over 100,000 words. In addition it features a crossword puzzle solver and anagram solver.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 18 more reviews...
 Almost Too Nice to Use September 12, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Note: I've noticed that this review is appearing on the pages of other Shorter Oxford products, such as the CD ROM version. This review exclusively refers to the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary: Deluxe Sixth Edition. This is the leatherbound, two-volume set.
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So much has been written about the scholarship of the Shorter OED that I elect not to debate it here. Nonetheless, you might be interested in the physicality of what you're buying.
In a word, both the quality and the aesthetic presentation of this Deluxe Edition are extraordinary. The binding construction is first-rate, and as close to old-world craftsmanship as one might reasonably expect. (If you're familiar with Easton Press leatherbound editions; these volumes are on par. However, the OED editions lack the hubbed spines and moire fabric endsheets that are customary with Easton Press.)
The paper seems to be inimitably thin - almost akin to a rice paper of some sort. You may be familiar with the razor-thin paper used in the Norton Anthology of English Literature; this is empirically similar. The pages are a bright white, and the typeface contrast is bold and clear. Unlike the Compact OED, most people can read this without a magnifying glass.
For what it's worth, these volumes are printed in Italy. They are heirloom editions that may very well last a lifetime or longer. However, they are almost too nice to use as rigorously as you might be initially inclined to do. (I find myself treating my set with kid gloves. There's a strange irony here.)
The Oxford blue leather bindings are tastefully stunning. Although delicate, the gold-gilded edging keeps moisture and dust away from the pages. The satin ribbon page markers are a nice touch. The slipcase is cardboard, and although sufficient for its purpose, it is less than luxurious. But overall, as a gift for a loved one or for yourself; this ensemble will not disappoint. Assuredly, you will not find a nicer dictionary from any publisher at any price. (It also helps that this happens to be the OED, albeit the Shorter.)
Finally; this purchase includes a 12-month subscription to the OED Online. (Oxford sells personal subscriptions for $295.00/year.) Some libraries furnish online access for free, but for those of us who aren't so fortunate, this is a sweet perquisite.
 Sadly not a major update July 2, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
The Shorter OED is too Britocentric and does not cover North American English well. If you live in the US or Canada, the Merriam Webster is a much better work.
Unlike the OED, specific dates are not given and only date ranges such as E17 (for early 17th century) are provided.
The quotations are given haphazardly for some senses but not others and many words have no quotations at all. You might be better off getting the whole OED if you're interested in the history of words.
If you already have the fourth or fifth edition, do not bother buying this sixth edition as sadly little has changed. Apparently, Oxford University Press is more interested in churning out editions in order to pad its bottom line but won't make the effort to truly update the dictionary.
Finest dictionary June 27, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I got SOED from Amazon.com few weeks ago. It helps me in translation of one English text in my first language. So far I can only say praise for the dictionary. Meanings of the headwords are listed in very clear manner - so I could find the best "shade" of meaning - which wasn't the case with my other dictionaries. Also - good layout of text helps to detect the right meaning easier. Although I need glasses for reading - even reading illustration blocks isn't a problem. Symbols for pronunciation seem to me standard as in other dictionaries - it takes little practice, but if in doubt there is clear pronunciation on the CD.
As an example - headword 'apprehensive' has a list of 5 meanings, and four of them are illustrated by quotation ( quotations are in fine print, tinted). Origin of this word is given from French and Latin. Noun 'knowledge' has a list of 14 meanings followed by a long list of phrases. Another example - word 'Wesak' (which I couldn't find in any other dictionary, it comes from Buddhist tradition) also has it's origin given.
I think there are more words of Sanskrit origin in SOED then in any other English dictionary. There are explanations for: prajna, Vajrayana, prakrti, purusha, vahan, skandha...
Another feature - guide for pronunciation at the bottom of pages - contains almost all (47) pronunciations of sounds in English, so one will almost never have to look into the Pronunciation guide at the beginning of volume 1.
It is for anyone who needs very precise meaning of words or is after rare words. Highly recommended.
A Meaningful Gift June 7, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I bought the Shorter English Dictionary for my daughter, and she loves it. It was a meaningful present that she will treasure. She uses it often.
SOED April 20, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I find the short edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, in particular the CD version, extremely useful. The only shortcoming is the following: for professional reasons I often use mathematical symbols, in particular Greek letters in equations. I do not know the correct English pronunciation of some of them; unfortunately they cannot be found in SOED either.
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