Don’t skip over an unfamiliar word! Each new term presents a valuable opportunity to expand your vocabulary and enhance your understanding of the material. Instead of bypassing these moments, consider using the quickest and most effective strategy for learning new vocabulary: a digital dictionary. With just a few taps or clicks, you can instantly access definitions, pronunciations, and even usage examples. This not only helps you grasp the meaning of a word in context but also reinforces your learning and retention.
The benefits of a digital dictionary:
- Fast and convenient
- Increases understanding of a word
- Useful to multilingual individuals
- Aids in learning new vocabulary
A digital dictionary entry will include: a definition, parts of speech (which is a clue about the performance of word), and the word broken into syllables to help with pronunciation.
Try the digital dictionary built into Google productivity applications and add the dictionary extension for Google Chrome. To begin, open the Chrome web browser on either a Mac or Windows computer. Use the login instructions on the Free Microsoft Account and Free Google Account page to open Google Docs.
Remember to keep some offline solutions in your environment when reading paper materials or when technology is unavailable (no battery power or lost WiFi connection). For example, have a traditional paper dictionary, translation dictionary, or similar items on your shelf.
Google: Digital dictionary
Dictionary in Google Docs (also available in Slides)
- Open a document in Docs or Slides.
- Place the text cursor by the word you want to look up.
- Select Tools from the menu. Click Dictionary from the drop down. OR Right click and select Define.
Google Dictionary Extension in the Chrome web browser
Consider adding the Google Dictionary extension to the Chrome web browser to easily view definitions of words on webpages or the search results page. If helpful, read the Google Help instructions to install and manage extensions.
There are 2 ways to view a word definition after the extension is installed:
- First, open a web page in Chrome.
- Then, either double-click a word for a pop-up definition or select a word and click the dictionary extension icon for a complete dictionary entry.
Tip: With the Google Dictionary Extension, you can store a history of the words you’ve looked up, so you can reference them later.
Microsoft: Free applications lack a digital dictionary, but other options are available
Unfortunately, a digital dictionary is not included in the free Microsoft applications such as Word Online. For confirmation, view the Microsoft Support article: Where is the dictionary?
Nevertheless, you can perform a web search within Word Online to view a definition of a word. Plus, Microsoft provides a syllable and parts of speech tool in Immersive Reader that includes some of the same information as a dictionary entry.
More tools to aid in vocabulary comprehension
To help with vocabulary comprehension while reading online, also try the following 5 strategies. These technology tools are built into Microsoft Word Online, the Microsoft Edge web browser, Google Docs, and/or the Google Chrome web browser.
- Picture dictionary
- Web search tool for images and information
- Syllable and parts of speech feature
- Translation tool
- Pronunciation tool
Resources
Tips for learning new vocabulary
5 Strategies for Understanding New Vocabulary – helpful article from Literacy in Focus
Subscription web browser extensions with vocabulary comprehension support
These resources are provided simply to create awareness about additional options for vocabulary strategies. It is a curated list of web browser extensions in alphabetical order.
Helperbird – A toolbar with digital support tools for reading. Helperbird has a digital dictionary with audio pronunciation and a translation tool. Plus, the Helperbird toolbar has a button to access Immersive Reader and the tools such as the Picture Dictionary. Install as a browser extension. Free trial period.
Kurzweil 3000 – Software with digital support tools for reading and writing. Kurzweil 3000 has a digital dictionary, picture dictionary, talking dictionary, translation tool, text-to-speech, and vocabulary study guides. Can install as a browser extension. Free trail period.
Read&Write – A software toolbar with digital support tools for reading and writing. Read&Write includes a digital dictionary, picture dictionary, translation tool, and text-to-speech for pronunciation. Can be installed as a browser extension. Free 30 day trial.
Snap&Read – Another software toolbar with digital support tools for reading and writing. Snap&Read includes a picture dictionary, translation tool, and text-to-speech for pronunciation. Can be installed as a browser extension. Free trial period.
Note: Some educational institutions and workplaces have a subscription to these software packages as part of inclusion practices. Check to see if you have already have access to these tools through your school or employer, if applicable.
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