THE BOOK on determining the ideal dictionary

Baliuwsdr   Mon May 25, 2009 11:21 am GMT
I have this deep longing for the ideal dictionary. And I agree with the antimoon reviews, that exemplary sentences are crucial reference on better learning a language.
Now I feel that I have achieved a certain vocabulary, but still, I am lacking what I would call an in depth feeling of the english language.
Elder dictionaries and dictionaries of synonyms I own contain already more references, but they are to small and outdated.
I want a book that contains many many cited sources, beautiful juicy bits of literature and poetry, and wit and rhyme and a lot of knowledge to really get to understand the language.
And a huge convolute of books is not the solution, nor would a stack of old and new encyclopedias and online wordlists be.
I am longing for a hint on finding this ideal dictionary.

Suggestions?
Robin Michael   Mon May 25, 2009 2:42 pm GMT
My partner is Polish and we have filled the house with many dictionaries and books on grammar etc. We rarely look at them. I regularly look at Wikipedia when I using the computer and I sometimes use online dictionaries via Google.

I honestly believe that your best bet is to have an English companion or partner who can correct you when you say something wrong or explain a word to you.

I enjoy telling my partner off, and I feel that our constant conversations help communication. It is not for everybody! I have noticed that some people simply will not be told.
Robin Michael   Mon May 25, 2009 2:53 pm GMT
"A Singing Dictionary" Elvis Costello. 1980 Plangent Visions Music Inc. Music


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2FT4FprxDg


"The Animals"

DON'T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD

(Benjamin/Marcus/Caldwell)

Baby, do you understand me now
Sometimes I feel a little mad
Well don't you know that no-one alive
Can always be an angel
When things go wrong I seem to be bad

I'm just a soul who's intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

Baby, sometimes I'm so carefree
With a joy that's hard to hide
And sometimes it seems that
All I have to do is worry
And then you're bound to see my other side

I'm just a soul who's intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

If I seem edgy, I want you to know
That I never mean to take it out on you
Life has it's problems and I get my share
And that's one thing I never mean to do

'cause I love you
Oh, oh, oh, baby, don't you know I'm human
Have thoughts like any other one
Sometimes I find myself alone and regretting
Some foolish thing, some little simple thing I've done

I'm just a soul who's intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

Yes, I'm just a soul who's intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

Yes, I'm just a soul who's intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

Yes, I'm just a soul who's intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
.   Mon May 25, 2009 3:02 pm GMT
Elvis Costello - The singing dictionary



'DON'T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD'

http://web.piczo.com/zone/item/Ash8ZAATkQMAAAAZqKiJxHgo
Baliuwsdr   Mon May 25, 2009 3:44 pm GMT
thank you!

well this is obviously a great start for an
online collection of song links and matching lyrics
for inspirational learning

what do you think?
How about a new thread on this subject?
Better Explain   Mon May 25, 2009 4:00 pm GMT
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new
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Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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Definition

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new (RECENTLY CREATED) Show phonetics
adjective
recently created or having started to exist recently:
a new car
She's very creative and always coming up with new ideas.
What have they decided to call their new baby?
What's new in the fashion world?
We have to invest in new technology if we are to remain competitive.
See also brand new.

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thread
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Definition

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thread (FIBRE) Show phonetics
noun
1 [C or U] (a length of) a very thin fibre:
needle and thread
loose threads

2 [C] a long thin line of something such as light or smoke:
A thin thread of light made its way through the curtains.

3 [C] The thread of a book, discussion, speech etc. is its story or the way that it develops, one part connecting with another:
One of the main threads of the film is the development of the relationship between the boy and his uncle.
Unfortunately my attention wandered for a moment and I lost the thread of (= forgot) what I was saying.

(from Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)

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subject
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subject (AREA OF STUDY) Show phonetics
noun [C]
1 the thing which is being discussed, considered or studied:
Our subject for discussion is homelessness.
She has made a series of documentaries on the subject of family relationships.
The guest lecturer took as her subject (= decided to speak about) 'punishment and imprisonment in modern society'.
The number of planes flying over the town has been the subject of (= has caused) concern since last summer.

2 an area of knowledge which is studied in school, college or university:
My favourite subjects at school were history and geography.
MAINLY UK Her subject (= special area of study) is low-temperature physics.

(from Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)