Welcome to our VOX Cultural Digest, Issue N.19!
A dictionary is like a best friend in that it gives you a new perspective.
Working with and finding the right dictionary used to be challenging. With the evolution of technology, however, there are now several sites that provide quick and easy access to online dictionaries. Moreover, they are updated constantly and it is easier to find more colloquial words and expressions. There are many different kinds of dictionaries that you can use while learning a language, and they all have their advantages.
- A bilingual dictionary translates from one language to another. The best kind of bilingual dictionary translates from the language you’re learning to your native language, but it’s also useful to look things up in a dictionary that goes the other way around.
- Monolingual dictionaries define words in one single language. If you’re looking for a quick definition of a word, a monolingual dictionary is usually the best choice.
- Learner’s dictionaries are made specifically for learners of other languages who want clear definitions and explanations written in as simple terms as possible. An ideal learner’s dictionary will also include example sentences to show how blocks of text can be used together, along with pictures or diagrams where appropriate.
We have compiled a comprehensive list of options for different languages. Check it out below!
Monolingual Dictionaries
German:
The Duden is one of the most complete online dictionaries for German language learners and is regarded as the authority on German spelling and grammar. It has definitions, synonyms and examples.
English:
It uses only 2000 words for definitions, has definitions, synonyms, collocations and examples.
It has definitions, synonyms, antonyms, examples, and a thesaurus. Also, there’s an app that lets you carry it with you on your phone!
Explore etymology, synonyms and the wittiest and most unforgettable examples.
Douglas Harper’s etymology site is one of the best on the internet, and it includes detailed information about where words come from.
Have a look at how words are connected in different ways, it is a fun as well as an educational experience.
Italian:
Recommended for higher levels.
Spanish:
Explore definitions, examples and collocations.
French:
This monolingual dictionary is a great resource for learning French vocabulary.
Bilingual dictionaries
Language Databases
or
Tatoeba provides a tool for you to see examples of how words are used in the context of a sentence. You specify words that interest you, and it returns sentences containing these words with their translations in the desired languages.
Translations
Thank you for taking the time to read this issue of the VOX Cultural Digest.
Have fun exploring and learning new languages!
