What is the difference between the two dictionaries? Thanks.

As the two names suggest we can see that the second dictionary also combines a thesaurus. For those who don't know what a thesaurus is, you can say a thesaurus is just like a dictionary of synonyms.

The collegiate dictionary is well-known in its field and it is based on Merriam-Webster's Third New International with lots of additions for new words not found in the bigger one. It also features a very unique feature adopted from the OED, it tells you when a word first appeared. For example, it says the word "dictionary" came out in 1526. This dictionary has been under constant update and its present incarnation is the 11th edition. It is one of the best dictionaries in the USA. The second one in term is based on the collegiate dictionary with synonyms added under appropriate words.

This means if you want more detailed explanations and scope of words, you can just go for Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. But if you think you also need a dictionary of synonyms without buying a separate one, you can opt for Merriam-Webster's Dictionary And Thesaurus instead.

Hope the above hopes.

Tim

Tim,

Thank you for your help!