The Oxford Dictionary of Current English

The Oxford Dictionary of Current English is a compact, up?to?date single?volume dictionary designed to provide clear, accessible definitions of contemporary English as it is used around the world.[1][4][8] Aimed at general adult users, it focuses on modern vocabulary, including everyday words, standard literary terms, and a wide range of commonly encountered technical, scientific, and social?science expressions, while omitting highly obsolete or extremely specialized terminology.[1][4][7][8] The fourth edition, corresponding to ISBN 9780198614371, offers more than 120,000 words, phrases, and definitions, significantly updated to reflect late?20th? and early?21st?century usage, spelling, and meanings.[4][7][8] Entries are written in a straightforward style that avoids unnecessary technical jargon, making the book suitable both for native speakers who want a reliable reference on spelling, meaning, and usage, and for learners of English who require clear explanations and examples.[7][8] Each headword typically includes part?of?speech labels, clear definitions, and, where appropriate, example phrases or short usage notes that illustrate idiomatic patterns and typical collocations.[4][7][8] The dictionary pays particular attention to words that are frequently confused or misused, providing additional notes to distinguish similar forms and to advise on standard English usage in areas such as prepositions, verb patterns, and variant spellings.[4][7][8] Irregular forms of verbs, plurals of nouns, and comparative forms of adjectives are systematically indicated, helping users to produce grammatically accurate English.[8] Pronunciation guidance is kept concise and functional, reflecting the book’s emphasis on usability rather than exhaustive phonetic detail. The content is based on evidence from modern English usage across different English?speaking regions, so it includes internationally relevant words as well as region?specific terms that have become widely recognized.[8] Because of its size and scope, the dictionary is suitable for home, school, and office use: it is compact enough to be handled easily, yet extensive enough to serve as a primary reference for everyday reading, writing, and speaking tasks.[1][4][7] Users consulting the Oxford Dictionary of Current English can expect quick access to core vocabulary, reliable guidance on standard usage, and a practical balance between breadth of coverage and clarity of presentation.[1][4][7][8]