Longman Keywords Dictionary ((new)) Jun 2026

The and the broader Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (LDOCE)

Scattered throughout the dictionary are deep-dive boxes that explore the nuances of a single Keyword. For instance, a box on "say" might compare it to "tell," "speak," "talk," and "mention" —all other Keywords—clarifying their distinct grammatical and usage patterns in a way a standard dictionary never could. longman keywords dictionary

The Longman Keywords Dictionary is a dictionary that uses a unique keyword approach to help learners of English understand the most important words in the language. The dictionary is based on the Longman Corpus, a massive database of English texts that helps identify the most frequently used words. The and the broader Longman Dictionary of Contemporary

The true genius lies in the cross-referencing. An entry for a non-Keyword word like "lavish" will not have a lengthy definition. Instead, it will point you to the Keyword "expensive" and provide a short note: "see expensive – a lavish party is one where a lot of expensive things are provided." This forces the learner to constantly return to the core vocabulary, reinforcing the essential 2000 words with every lookup. The dictionary is based on the Longman Corpus,

This creates a closed, self-referential learning system. It is the lexical equivalent of a set of primary colors: from red, blue, and yellow, you can mix every other hue.

focus on providing a structured approach to learning the most essential English words.