Review by Choice Review
With some 1,200 entries, this dictionary provides background, definitions, and multiple examples for word-forming affixes including prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, and infixes. Quinion focuses on the more commonly used affixes, leaving out little-known or rarely used word beginnings and endings. The definitions typically include the origin of the word, a brief definition of the affix, and defined examples of words containing the affix. The formatting of each definition is easy to read in boldface with a hyphen indicating the appropriate placement of the affix. No pronunciation guides are provided. The multiple examples given for each term do an excellent job illustrating the nuances of meaning appropriate to the entry. A separate list or table containing additional examples is often provided for more common affixes (like "sphere" or "bio"). The dictionary provides over 10,000 examples. A selective thematic index groups affixes by categories (body, living world, medicine). A helpful tool for word connoisseurs, students, and teachers. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. All collections. M. D. Collins Mississippi State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
This book defines various word beginnings and endings-some of the building blocks of the English language-and manages to make the whole thing fun. Many of these elements appear most commonly in medical or technical words, but this is not a technical dictionary. Instead, it uses over 10,000 examples throughout its 1250 alphabetically arranged entries to decode the prefixes and suffixes, as well as infixes (a word part placed within a word, as the s in cupsful) we typically encounter. Each entry includes the etymology of the element, examples of full words using it, and some explanation regarding its meaning and usage. Tables throughout illustrate several words created from the same element, such as the many words formed with the suffix -archy (anarchy, eparchy, monarchy, squirearchy, etc.). Readers will find both old and new friends here. The author has experience working with the Oxford English Dictionary and the Oxford Dictionary of New Words, and it shows. Even if you think you know the English language, you will learn a thing or two from this little volume. Easy to use, small enough to carry around, and chockfull of useful information, this book is for anyone who truly loves language.-Manya S. Chylinski, Ernst & Young Ctr. for Business, Boston (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Library Journal Review
