English Reference Dictionary [antikvár]

Introduction Spelling Some words have two or more spellings that are in common use, but few variants are given here. The aim is not to dictate the use of a particular spelling, but to offer a standard form to those who seek one. When two spellings are equally common the preferred one is given first. Similar principles are followed with regard to pronunciation. Words ending in -ize and -ization (such as realize and realization) may also be spelt with s instead of z. Words given in this dictionary with the spelling -ise (such as advertise and surprise) do not have an alternative spelling with z. Derived forms Plurals of nouns, comparatives in -er and superlatives in -est of adjectives and adverbs, and derived forms of verbs, are given if they are irregular or if there might be doubt about the spelling. When only two verb forms are given: admit V. (admitted, admitting) the first form is both the past tense (he admitted it) and the past participle (it was admitted) Where three forms are given: come V. (came, come, coming) freeze v. (froze, frozen, freezing) the first is the past tense (he came, it froze) and the second is the past participle (he had come\ it was frozen). Notes on usage These are introduced by the symbol t and give comments about the meanings of words that are often confused (such as gourmand and gourmet), grammatical points (such as whether data and media are singular or plural), and information about the origin of expressions (such as fifth column, sour grapes) especially where this helps to a better understanding of why the words are used in this way. Proprietary terms This book includes some words which are or are asserted to be proprietary names. The presence or absence of such assertions should not be regarded as affecting the legal status of any proprietary name or trade mark.