book review: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “book review” mean?
A critical assessment and summary of a book, evaluating its content, quality, and significance, often published in a newspaper, magazine, or website.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A critical assessment and summary of a book, evaluating its content, quality, and significance, often published in a newspaper, magazine, or website.
The process or activity of formally evaluating a written work; can also refer to a short academic summary and critique in educational settings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows national conventions (e.g., 'centre' in UK vs. 'center' in US contexts within the text of the review).
Connotations
Slightly more associated with highbrow literary culture in UK usage (e.g., 'The Times Literary Supplement'); in US, often associated with broader media (newspapers, online platforms).
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “book review” in a Sentence
VERB + book review: write/publish/read/commission a book reviewADJECTIVE + book review: a favourable/scathing/glowing/book reviewbook review + VERB: a book review appeared/praised/criticisedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “book review” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was asked to review the book for The Guardian.
- He reviews contemporary fiction for a living.
American English
- The New York Times will review the biography next week.
- She reviews books for a major blog.
adjective
British English
- He is a book-review editor.
- She attended a book-review session at the festival.
American English
- She writes a book-review column.
- He has a book-review website.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might refer to a review of business-related publications.
Academic
Common; refers to scholarly evaluations of academic monographs in journals.
Everyday
Common; discussing opinions on novels or non-fiction in media or online.
Technical
Rare; not a technical term outside of literary/publishing fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “book review”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “book review”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “book review”
- Using 'book review' as a verb (incorrect: 'I will book review this novel.') Correct: 'I will review this book.' or 'I will write a book review.'
- Confusing 'book review' (evaluation) with 'book report' (student's summary).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A book report is typically a simple summary written by students, while a book review involves critical analysis and evaluation, often for publication.
No. The term is a noun. The verb is 'to review a book' (e.g., 'She will review the book'). You cannot say 'I will book review it'.
They are often synonymous in this context. However, 'critique' can imply a more detailed, scholarly, or theoretical analysis, while 'review' is more general and common in journalism.
In newspapers, literary magazines, academic journals, dedicated websites (like Goodreads), blogs, and on the back covers of books (these are usually short, promotional blurbs).
A critical assessment and summary of a book, evaluating its content, quality, and significance, often published in a newspaper, magazine, or website.
Book review is usually neutral in register.
Book review: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʊk rɪˌvjuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʊk rɪˌvjuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To give the book a good review.”
- “To be under review.”
- “To be reviewed favourably/unfavourably.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 're-view' – you are looking at the book again, a second time, to form a critical opinion.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BOOK REVIEW IS A MEASUREMENT (e.g., 'The book didn't measure up.'), A BOOK REVIEW IS A VERDICT (e.g., 'The review found the author guilty of poor character development.').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the primary function of a book review?