Do you have a hard copy dictionary that you still use like a Merriam-Webster?

1. 93

   jansharesposted 10 years ago

   Do you have a hard copy dictionary that you still use like a Merriam-Webster?
   
   I still need my dictionary and thesaurus beside be as I'm at my computer writing a hub. I don't use online dictionaries, an installed app/program, or spell checker. What do you use?

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   cianekoposted 10 years ago

   Yes, I do have an old dictionary at home. It's too worn- out, but is still very useful. But usually, I use online dictionaries like dictionary.reference.com because of its accessibility and speed in finding the meanings as well as synonyms/antonyms of the words that I use in writing my articles and poems.

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      jansharesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Mine are very old but still in good condition. Thanks for answering.

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3. 87

   Alphadogg16posted 10 years ago

   No, I haven't even seen a hard copy of either one of those in quite some time. I use an online dictionary/ thesaurus.

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      jansharesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      LOL, so funny, Alphadogg16. I'm feeling a little older about now. :-)

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   conneautwriter@yaposted 10 years ago

   Yes, I use the American Heritage Dictionary at times. Sometimes, I use Dictionary.com or a comparable resource, but there are still days where the tactile experience of a large hardback volume is the only thing that satiates my hunger for knowledge. One day they may have to pry my AHD from my cold, hard fingers. Until then, I use it.

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   1. 93

      jansharesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I'm with you, conneauwriter@ya. I don't think I'll ever switch over. I'm usually just checking for basics, not any new words. Thanks for answering.

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   cjaroszposted 10 years ago

   Yep, I have Webster. I don't necessarily use it often. Its there is I ever need it.

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   1. 93

      jansharesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I like that it's still there, too. Thanks for answering.

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6. 61

   Dee aka Nonnaposted 10 years ago

   I do use online dictionaries, etc., but my American Heritage dictionary is always on my desk as I reach for it first.  I buy a new one every year or when an new update/edition comes out. 
   
   I've found that most kids do not know how to use an actually dictionary (book) so I taught my grandchildren (who are use to using online version).  They really like it.  I told them "now you have a choice".   
   
   Anyway, this is a great question.

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      jansharesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, Dee aka Nonna. It didn't even occur to me that kids wouldn't know how to use them. Thanks for answering.

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   Gail Meyersposted 10 years ago

   I still have a huge dictionary I have had for years.  I do not know the last time I used it because I use dictionary.com.

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      jansharesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for answering, Gail Meyers.

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   chef-de-jourposted 10 years ago

   I use a dark blue, heavy and thick OED, published 2003, second edition. I make sure it never falls off my desk because I don't want my toes broken!! I love to thumb through it's many pages although I think it may now be a little bit behind the times.

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      jansharesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      True, with all the new words and updates over the years. Thanks for answering, chef-de-jour.

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   penladyposted 10 years ago

   I use a hard copy thesaurus that's also a reverse dictionary.

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      jansharesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Cool, never seen one of those. Thanks for answering, penlady.

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10. 0

    lambservantposted 10 years ago

    Yes I do. I have to admit though, I use mostly online dictionary or the dictionary feature on my computer. My problem is the small print and my eyesight. I wear reading glasses but they don't work adequately. Not only that, but a big dictionary takes up a lot of space on my desk which has little room. The same with the Thesaurus.

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       jansharesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, lambservant, having enough work space is important. Thanks for answering.

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11. 77

    LupitaRonquilloposted 10 years ago

    Yes, I still like and use real books! I have two Merriam Webster's dictionaries including an English Usage dictionary which I like to highlight words I've looked up.

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    1. 93

       jansharesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Great, to hear I'm not alone. Real books are fading fast. Thanks for answering.

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    MJenniferposted 10 years ago

    Oh, not just one!  Within inches from me as I write I've got a hefty unabridged hardbound Webster -- it was a very special gift from my parents in 1984 and I still rely on it.  It's a magnificent dictionary, over 4" thick, and it shows much loving use over the decades. 
    
    A few inches to its left are my tattered thesaurus and my paperback New American College Dictionary -- the former is my second thesaurus (after wearing out the first one I owned) and the latter is my go-everywhere dictionary that I carried while at work.  I still grab it for quick reference when I don't want to lift my behemoth off the shelf for something simple.
    
    Of course, no reference library is complete without the Oxford English Dictionary -- essential when I'm looking up word usages and histories, or seeking something more obscure than I might find in the others.  Unfortunately, it is one of those micro-print editions and even with the magnifying glass (thoughtfully supplied by the publishers) AND my readers, I struggle.  It is thanks to my TMB syndrome -- too many birthdays!
    
    Then there are the several variations of dictionaries I never seem to tire of -- Garner's Dictionary of Modern American Usage, so handy at settling arguments about which of two similar words is most appropriate multiple language dictionaries from Turkish to Tagalog; far too many Latin dictionaries (et tu?) and even a dictionary of fictitious places. 
    
    I admit it:  I'm a dictionary hoarder.  Yes, I still use them.  I don't care for online dictionaries at all, and I disable my spell checker as it doesn't understand homonyms anyhow -- and often doesn't have an extensive enough vocabulary to be useful.

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       jansharesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Absolutely LOVE your answer! Thanks for taking the time to share and break down the importance and usefulness of an oldschool method, MJennifer. Happy hoarding!

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    2. 90

       MJenniferposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you, Janshares!  I appreciate that I'm not alone in the joy of hard-copy dictionaries!  The best part of them is that you can browse them and stumble across new words, which seems unlikely (if not impossible) with online editions. Thanks again!

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    myeffortsposted 10 years ago

    Not anymore because everything is online now. Oxford dictionary is still there lying in the cabinet but don't have time to go and search for the desired word. I use online dictionary most of the time, also have word web installed that is even quicker.

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