YES! I've finally found my trusty dictionary that has served me well since 1985 when I was given it, along with a thesaurus, for Christmas. It's worn, torn and tatty but still holding together and I've missed it these last several years while it's been hidden in a box in a self-storage container. I've already used it: "Pertinacious" is now in my vocabulary. ( )

What makes one dictionary better than another? Putting aside questions of authority; which are of course open to debate, for most of us ease of use would be high on the list of priorities. Here the Collins Concise comes out very well; with the subtle use of colour the entries are very easy to find. The listed words appear in blue in a bold sans typeface with the following definition slightly indented and in an easy to read black serif face; different forms of the listed word appear within the description again in blue type. The alphabetical divisions are very easy to find with the help of little blue "tabs" printed progressively down the outside edge of the page.

It is something of and encyclopaedic dictionary as it includes numerous entries for people and places; it also lists abbreviations, acronyms and symbols. Also given full listing are common idioms and fixed noun phrases whilst others are included in the key word definition. The word pronunciation system follows the International Phonetic Alphabet, with a very necessary key provided (although not readily locatable).

Particularly informative is the inclusion of notes on USAGE. For example look up the commonly misused word "infer", and a note describing its misuse along with an explanation indicating the advantages of maintaining its distinct meaning will be found. Where applicable such a note is highlighted with a column of light blue bullet points.

Up to date, visually appealing, exceptionally easy to use and with clear and succinct definitions, my only complaint is that the key to the word pronunciation system is not easy to find being buried in the Guide to the Use of the Dictionary. ( )

Essential tool ( )