AnneC  +  87374 Wed, 06 Apr 05 02:54 PM My teacher said that cf. means confirmed/confirmato, but I always thought that it means compare (from the latin confer). My dictionary (oxford english dictionary) also said that it means compare from the latin confer. When I asked my teacher, he said that it means both: confirmed and compare. But I'm still not convinced that cf. can mean confirmed, because if it can mean confirmed, why isn't that mentioned in my dictionary? So who's right, me or my teacher? Here's an example of how cf. can be used: To fully appreciate the significance of structuration theory, the context in which Giddens developed it should be considered as well (cf. Parker, 1996). AnneC Joined on Fri, Apr 1 2005 New Member 39

	LanguageLover  +  87393 Wed, 06 Apr 05 03:37 PM Cobuild also suggests "compare". Dictionaries can usually be trusted more than teachers, since the entries, definitions,... are checked by many professionals who are trained for that. I was a lexicographer once, and I know what measures are taken to provide the readers with the best information. BTW, do not stick to only one dictionary, look the words up in as many as dictionaries you can. Sometimes, there is an example in the Cambridge dictionary that helps you best, sometimes the definition in the Cobuild,... It's better to have the Oxford, Longman, Cobuild and Cambridge always at hand. Good luck. LanguageLover Joined on Fri, Feb 25 2005 Contributing Member 1,507 The similarities among the languages are more than their differences!

	pieanne  +  87402 Wed, 06 Apr 05 03:51 PM Hello! I've never used "cf" in the meaning of "confirmed", neither if French nor in English (nor in anything) It means "see", "refer to", "confer", from Latin confer, meaning "compare" Here's the address of a very useful site for acronyms: http://www.acronymfinder.com/ pieanne Joined on Thu, Jan 20 2005 South of France ...But I'm Belgian! Veteran Member 7,517 I'm glad to help, but I'm not a native! And please excuse my typos...

	AnneC  +  87696 Thu, 07 Apr 05 10:59 AM Thanks for the replies pieanne and languagelover! Languagelover, you said: 'It's better to have the Oxford, Longman, Cobuild and Cambridge always at hand.' Are these available online? I can't really afford to buy all of them AnneC

	LanguageLover  +  87697 Thu, 07 Apr 05 11:06 AM Sorry to say this, but unfortunately not! Not for free, except the Cambridge. Cobuild has published a new edition with the CD, it shouldn't be that expensive. The CD is great, it gives you lots of examples. Actually, it has a few examples in each entry, then there are plenty of them in its bank if you are in the need of more examples. And the definition is also great. Perhaps, you can afford this one! Cheers, LanguageLover

	AnneC  +  87954 Thu, 07 Apr 05 11:11 PM I hardly ever have to write anything in english, so I think buying another dictionary wouldn't be necesarry for me, but do you know where I can find the cambridge dictionary online? Thanks in advance AnneC

	LanguageLover  +  87961 Thu, 07 Apr 05 11:22 PM Sure, here is the address: http://dictionary.cambridge.org You do not need an English to English dictionary just for the writing purposes, rather for learning the use of words! I told you to use the British dictionaries, the main reason is that they provide you with examples, and even if you do not understand the definition, examples could be of great help. Cheers, LanguageLover

	pieanne  +  88071 Fri, 08 Apr 05 09:03 AM Hello, Anne C, I use the Hyperdictionary online, which is free, and has 3 advantages: 1. You have the Webster definitions as well 2. You have synonyms 3. You have antonyms pieanne Synonyms, Antonyms