Editorial Reviews
Review
'All in all the new edition is to be welcomed, because it refines and
extends what was already a very useful resource for advanced users of
Spanish. ...The breadth of linguistic knowledge enshrined in this book is
very impressive, with its authoritative classification by register and
dialect. ...Using Spanish Synonyms is an excellent reference work to have on
one's shelves. The detail and accuracy are of the highest order reflecting
meticulous preparation.' Ian Mackenzie University of Newcastle
Review
'All in all the new edition is to be welcomed, because it refines and
extends what was already a very useful resource for advanced users of
Spanish. ...The breadth of linguistic knowledge enshrined in this book is
very impressive, with its authoritative classification by register and
dialect. ...Using Spanish Synonyms is an excellent reference work to have on
one's shelves. The detail and accuracy are of the highest order reflecting
meticulous preparation.' Ian Mackenzie University of Newcastle
Product Description
Written for those with a basic competence in Spanish, this comprehensive
synonyms guide is designed to help the learner find the right word for the
right context - thus improving their vocabulary and enabling them to
communicate more precisely and fluently. It contains around 900 lists of
synonyms, each one classified according to its level of formality. Every
synonym is illustrated with authentic examples, and the subtle shades of
difference between them are clearly explained. The book contains four clear
indexes: Spanish-Spanish, Argentinean-Spanish, Mexican-Spanish and
English-Spanish, enabling the reader to instantly locate any word. This
second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, and includes new
material on Argentinean and Mexican varieties, including a useful comparison
of Mexican and Iberian Spanish. It will continue to be an essential
reference for college and undergraduate students, their teachers, and other
language professionals seeking a clear, user-friendly guide to Spanish
synonyms and their usage.
Language Notes
Text: English, Spanish --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Book Description
Written for those with a basic competence in Spanish, this comprehensive
synonyms guide is designed to help learners find the right word for the
right context - thus improving their vocabulary and enabling them to
communicate more precisely and fluently. Contains around 900 lists of
synonyms, all illustrated with authentic examples.
About the Author
Ronald E. Batchelor has retired from a senior position at the University of
Nottingham, where he taught French and Spanish for 40 years.
Product Details
- Paperback: 752 pages
- Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (May 1,
2006)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0521547601
- ISBN-13: 978-0521547604
- Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.6 x 1.7 inches
- Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
- Average Customer Review:
  (3
customer reviews)
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Rating:
-
I found much accurate and appropriate information in this stout tome, which I
can heartily recommend to any intermediate or advanced student.
It tells you several ways in Spanish to say "thief", or different kinds of
thieves, and many other concepts, like "invention", "disorder", etc.
Despite its usefulness -- comparable to that of its sister volumes on synonyms
usage in German, Russian and Spanish --, I find that the labeling of the various
synonyms is deficient, since there is no mention of the frequency with which a
word is used (some words given are fairly recherche, but not noted as such).
The authors make a welcome and most timely concession to lexical diversity among
the various Hispanic lands, by supplying what appears on first impression to be
a fairly representative list of Argentine and Mexican terms. The choice is as
representative as it can be if one restricts oneself to only 3 countries: the
abovesaid two plus Spain. Spain, however, has no register of its own; rather it
is conflated with the main register. Thus we see looming before us the the
nemesis of Spanish-language lexicography in the 20th -- and hitherto 21st --
century. The rock upon which it constntly stumbles is that it has failed to
record adequately the varied, often subtle, often dramatic differences in
vocabulary between various countries.
And such a geographical labeling is really necessary, since some of the words
listed are of geographically restricted use, and nonetheless appear as if
universally valid. It is no longer, as in English-language lexicography, to use
a common vocabulary in communion among the 21 Spanish-speaking countries.
It is my intention to rectify this deplorable state of affairs in the immediate
future. Until then, trust your instincts.
Rating:
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Good book with synonyms in all registers. Excellent guide for those looking to
improve their language skills
Rating:
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Why do you need to know synonyms in Spanish? "Owing to this is the thing does
thy Spanish dive slippery besides relaxed, id est within the limit." (Trans:
Because this is what makes your Spanish sound fluent and easy, not to mention
comprehensible) This is the only comprehensive guide to Spanish synonyms that
exists specifically for English-speakers. It covers nouns, verbs and adjectives;
each one is listed indicating its register(formal, informal, colloquial, vulgar)
and is used in sample sentences to illustrate its context. In 720 pages, the
reader will find each grouping of synonyms under a generic headword (for
example; chicken, goat, cow, horse, and sheep could be found under "barnyard
animals"). Distinctions are also made among words which are either restricted to
particular geographical areas (Argentina, Mexico and Spain), or are understood
differently in these regions. Save yourself the embarrasment of using words out
of context and buy this book!
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