Rječnik stranih riječi: Tuđice i posuđenice

Bratoljub Klaić’s Dictionary of Foreign Words: Loanwords and Borrowings (Rječnik stranih riječi: Tuđice i posuđenice) is one of the most renowned and influential lexicographical works in the Croatian language. The 2002 edition published by Nakladni zavod Matice hrvatske, edited by Željko Klaić, spans 1,456 pages and continues the tradition of the dictionary first published in 1951.

The dictionary presents an extensive selection of words and expressions of foreign origin found in everyday speech, literature, journalism, science, art, politics, and specialized fields. Entries provide definitions, information on linguistic origins, and—where applicable—guidance on pronunciation, stress, and the usage of specific terms.

The work’s particular value lies in its combination of etymological data with clear explanations of concepts, thereby fostering a better understanding of international terminology, cultural influences, and the evolution of the Croatian lexicon. The dictionary encompasses words adopted from both classical and modern languages, as well as numerous terms from philosophy, medicine, technology, law, and the social sciences.

For decades, Klaić’s dictionary has been an indispensable reference for pupils, students, teachers, translators, journalists, and language enthusiasts alike. Beyond its practical utility, it stands as a significant document of linguistic culture and the history of Croatian lexicography.