'Harry Potter' references added to children's dictionary

  July 1, 2005 at 10:35 AM ET
  Geri     Veritaserum (via The Guardian)
  harry potter and the chamber of secrets, chamber of secrets, harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban, prisoner of azkaban, oxford primary dictionary


The new edition of the Oxford Primary Dictionary now includesopens in new window some Harry Potter references aimed to help seven-to-11-year-olds understand the meanings of words. The new issue includes the words insolent, lounge and haphazardly.

Insolent, adjective - very rude and insulting, quoted from The Prisoner of Azkaban: "Malfoy gave Professor Lupin an insolent stare, which took in the patches on his robes and the dilapidated suitcase."

Haphazardly is explained by a quote from The Chamber of Secrets: "Mrs Weasley was clattering around, cooking breakfast a little haphazardly, throwing dirty looks at her sons as she threw sausages into the frying pan."

And Professor Snape makes malevolent easy: "'A bad idea, Professor Lockhart,' said Snape, gliding over like a large and malevolent bat."

Andy Simpson, a spokesman for Oxford Children's Books said:

All authors use language creatively. Some enjoy playing with words and pushing children with a more stretching, challenging use of language. But the Oxford Primary Dictionary is the first children's dictionary to use real citations taken from a large range of the best of children’s literature.

And its choice of citations from texts children are intimately familiar with, sets a fantastic example for children and helps improve their reading and writing skills. Far from a traditional boring textbook, the Oxford Primary Dictionary is a fun reference book which can form the basis of interactive sessions in class and at home.

The dictionary features hundreds of citations from children's authors including JK Rowling, Philip Pullman and Roald Dahl.

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