On-line dictionaries

What on-line dictionary do you use to look up a new English word?

I bet that it is a bilingual English-Spanish one.

Am I right?

Well, you should really be using a monolingual English-English dictionary too.

It helps to see how to use the word you have looked up correctly.

I think you are  more likely to remember the word if you read the definition in English. The more time you spend with the word, the more you absorb it.

Don't worry if you don't understand a word in the definition - click on it and you will see its definition too.



Let's take a look at some of the dictionaries you can find on-line.

1. Cambridge

It has a Learner's dictionary (simpler definitions), British and American English dictionaries, a Business English dictionary and a Span-Eng dictionary.

2. Oxford

The usage notes at the end of the definitions are particularly useful.

3. Merriam-webster

It also has a thesaurus and an English-Spanish dictionary.

4. Reverso

It offers the possibility of simpler definitions as well as translations into Spanish. It is a good alternative to Word Reference.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I've bought the Oxford Dictionary in English, and it's a good one!

Majda
Anonymous said…
You´re right. I normally use english-spanish.
I´ll try to use a monolingual dictionary. And, of course, there are several alternatives to wordreference.
Thanks for your advice.

Nicolas.
Graham said…
Majda,

I like Oxford too. Check out the Usage Notes on the on-line version which help CLEAR UP DOUBTS you might have.

With the first Spanish-English dictionary I had, I put an "X" next to any word I looked up. A few words had "XXXXXXXX" next to them!


See you tomorrow!
Montse said…
Hi, Graham.
I usually use Word Reference and Cambridge to look up words but thank you I’ve found out Oxford Dictionary and I’ve like it a lot, especially the notes at the bottom of the page. Besides, it has a very interesting games, as well.
Graham said…
Nicolas,

If you use an English-Spanish dictionary, TRY OUT Reverso instead of Word Reference. I quite like it.
Graham said…
Montse,

I agree. Oxford is an excellent alternative.
lucía said…
Hi,
Today I have remembered that you told me last week that I could use a on-line dictionary, Cambridge.

I have used this dictionary today and have revised the others dictionaries. I like Oxford too. I personaly think that both are very good.

I can see the definitions and can hear the correct pronunciation.

bye, see you the next thuesday.

I'm thirty, I need a beer. Now I'll go out to have something in a bar of my neigborhood.

It's the second time that I write my comment. I lost it.

Bye
lucía said…
Hi Graham,

Today I have remembered I told with you about the Cambridge dictionary and I have put this link in my pc and I have begun use the dictionary today. I like Oxford Dictionary too. I personaly think that both are good dictionaries.

Bye,
Now, I'll go to drinking something in a bar. I'm thirsty . I need a beer

Lucía.
Graham said…
Lucía,

You could use both Oxford and Cambridge. That way you'd get double the examples of the same word.


Today I remembered (that) I talked to you about the Cambridge dictionary and I have put this link in my pc and I have begun using/to use the dictionary today. I like Oxford Dictionary too. I personally think that they are both good dictionaries.
lucia said…
hi! tank you for your comment.

Lucía.
lucia said…
Hi!, I have read your grammatic explain other time.

Lucía.
Graham said…
Thank you, Lucía!

I have read your explanation another time.
lucia said…
I have read your comments, thank you.
Lucía.