Cambridge Dictionary
Review

I am quite happy to write this Cambridge Dictionary review, since Cambridge University Press has some truly wonderful dictionaries for English learners.

Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses

In this article I will concentrate on two of them:

• Cambridge Learner's Dictionary (jump to the review)
  
  
• Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (jump to the review)

This is probably one of the most simple dictionaries for English learners.

The definitions usually use simple words and so are easy to understand.

Here are some examples:

Abolish = to officially end something, especially a law or a system.

Electricity = a type of energy that can produce light and heat, or make machines work.

Utensil = a tool that you use for doing jobs in the house, especially cooking.

In addition to the definitions, throughout the dictionary there are examples, pictures and usage notes. 

You can also get it with a CD-ROM. The CD-ROM contains everything that is in the dictionary, plus spoken pronunciation in American and British accents, synonyms and topic lists for every word in the dictionary and exam practice.

Any downsides?

Yes. It can get too simple. Meaning, not enough data to really understand the word, or words that are omitted from the dictionary (it only lists the most important words in English, and is not a comprehensive guide).

Conclusions

If your level of English is very basic, then this can be a good dictionary to start with. It has clear and accurate explanations. However, it might be too narrow for more advanced learners.

Get your own copy of the dictionary, or check it out online for free.

Part 2:
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

This dictionary really takes it to the next level.

It is precise, comprehensive and friendly.

The explanations are as uncomplicated as can be, and yet it has an enormous collection of words defined.

Here are some examples:

Abolish = to end an activity or custom officially.

Electricity = a form of energy, produced in several ways, which provides power to devices that create light, heat, etc.

Utensil = a tool with a particular use, especially in a kitchen or house.

In addition to the definitions, throughout the dictionary there are many examples, maps, illustrations and photos, usage notes, learner's errors notes, thesaurus panels and a new "Let's talk" section, focusing on spoken English.

You can get it with a CD-ROM, as well.

Any downsides?

Despite being a very good and extensive dictionary it does not have all the words in English. For the rarer words you would probably need a bigger dictionary.

Conclusions

This dictionary is excellent for upper-intermediate to advanced learners.

Get your own copy of the Cambridge dictionary, or check it out online for free.

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