English–reader's dictionary

This Oxford Dictionary has been specially compiled for learners of the English language who have reached the final stage of an elementary course. Since it is often impossible to render idiomatic English adequately in another language, a bilingual dictionary is liable to be less accurate, and also less satisfying to the student, than a dictionary that defines in English, in terms that he can readily understand. With that qualification, an English–English dictionary can be not only a reference book but a practical textbook of language.
An English–Reader"s Dictionary is designed for use during a secondary school course. It will help the student in reading unsimpli–fied texts (such as are to be found, for example, in The English–Reader"s Library); and as it gives many examples of the uses of words and idiomatic word–groups it will also help him in his composition. Pronunciation is indicated by means of the "simplified" transcription approved by the International Phonetic Association, which is set out in full and explained on pp. vi–vii. Useful lists of prefixes, suffixes, and common abbreviations are included.