This dictionary contains more than 20,000 Latin words, which represent almost the entire lexicon of the ancient language as we know it today (from the third century BCE to the sixth century CE). The more than 20,000 entries are not arranged alphabetically, but according to etymology. The dictionary's etymological word families are nearly 3,800. The etymological arrangement is, of course, a way to order the words and to make the dictionary more 'readable'. A complete alphabetical index allows the reader to find easily any word. The aim of the book is, on one hand, to stimulate linguistic reflection, and on the other hand, to help the reader learn vocabulary and perhaps understand texts without the need of a dictionary. About 3,000 basic words are therefore printed in small capitals.