edition
B1Neutral to formal; common in written and published contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A particular version or form of a published text, often published at a specific time.
A particular version or instance of something released for public consumption, such as software, a news broadcast, or a special issue of a magazine. Also refers to the total number of copies of a publication printed at one time.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. In publishing, 'edition' focuses on the content being a distinct version (e.g., 2nd edition, revised edition), while 'printing' or 'impression' refers to a specific batch of copies. In media, it signifies a specific scheduled release (e.g., evening edition).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. British English slightly more often uses 'edition' in newspaper/radio context (e.g., 'late-night edition'), while American English may use 'issue' or 'show' more frequently for broadcasts.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slightly more formal/publishing-specific in AmE.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties due to publishing/media use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the [ordinal number] edition of [noun]a [adjective] editionbring out/publish/release an editionappear in an editionedition [preposition] (e.g., edition for students, edition of the newspaper)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “first edition club”
- “limited edition run”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to specific versions of reports, software releases, or product lines (e.g., 'the professional edition of the software').
Academic
Crucial for citing sources correctly (e.g., 'as cited in the 5th edition'). Refers to textbooks, scholarly works.
Everyday
Used for books, newspapers, magazines, TV/radio programmes (e.g., 'Did you watch the Sunday edition?').
Technical
In publishing: a distinct version with changes. In computing: a specific version of software differentiated by features (e.g., Home Edition, Enterprise Edition).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is a new edition of my favourite book.
- I read it in the newspaper's online edition.
- The textbook's third edition has two new chapters.
- The evening edition of the news will have the full report.
- They released a special anniversary edition of the game.
- The revised edition incorporates feedback from hundreds of instructors.
- The software's enterprise edition includes advanced security features not found in the standard release.
- The first edition of the novel is now a valuable collector's item.
- Scholars debate the editorial choices made in the variorum edition of the poet's works.
- The limited edition print run sold out within hours of its announcement.
- This critical edition meticulously documents all textual variants from the manuscript tradition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of EDITION as EDIT + ION. A new edition is created after someone has EDITed the previous version.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRODUCTS ARE VERSIONS (A book/software is conceptualised as having sequential, improved versions). TIME IS A SERIES OF RELEASES (The day is segmented into broadcast editions).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'издание' when it means 'publishing house' (publisher). 'Edition' is the version, not the company.
- Do not translate 'first edition' as 'первый тираж' (first printing). 'Edition' is about content changes, not just a print run.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'edition' for a single copy (use 'copy').
- Confusing 'edition' (version) with 'addition' (something added).
- Using 'edition' as a verb.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'edition' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'edition' often implies a distinct version (e.g., UK edition, student edition) or a special release. An 'issue' typically refers to one in the regular series (e.g., the June issue). They can sometimes overlap.
Yes, it's standard for software, apps, and digital media (e.g., 'the mobile edition', 'the 2025 edition of the database').
It means only a specific, pre-determined number of copies were produced, after which no more will be made, often to increase collectability.
You must always specify the edition you used (e.g., Author, Title, 3rd ed., Publisher, Year), as content can vary significantly between editions.