Enhance your vocabulary learning with a picture dictionary! For many learners, visuals play a crucial role in understanding and retaining new words. An illustration or photograph can create a powerful connection between a word and its meaning, making it easier to grasp concepts. For some individuals, having a visual representation is essential for effective vocabulary comprehension. Recognizing this need, many free Microsoft products now include built-in picture dictionaries, providing an accessible way to enrich your learning experience.
The benefit of using a picture dictionary:
- Increase understanding of a word
- Useful to multilingual individuals
- Aids in learning new vocabulary
- Visuals provide clarity
Note: Reputable dictionary companies publish picture/visual dictionaries. So, remember to keep these offline solutions in your environment for times when technology is unavailable (no battery power or lost WiFi connection).
Microsoft: Picture Dictionary
Immersive Reader Picture Dictionary in Word Online
Use the Picture Dictionary to select a word and view a Boardmaker symbol. Boardmaker is a software company that provides hundreds of illustrated words and phrases.
- Open a document in Word Online.
- Select the View tab.
- Choose Immersive Reader.
- Press the Reading Preferences (book icon).
- Enable Picture Dictionary.
- Click on a word to view the Boardmaker symbol. (Note: Not every word will have a Boardmaker symbol appear.)
Microsoft Support article: Define words using Immersive Reader Picture Dictionary
Tip: The Picture Dictionary in Immersive Reader is available in the following free Microsoft applications: Word Online, OneNote Online, Outlook Online, Microsoft Teams, Edge web browser, and the Microsoft Lens app. Reference the article Where is Immersive Reader?
Google: No picture dictionary, but another option exists
Alas, Google applications do not include a built-in picture dictionary.
However, an image web search can be performed right inside Google Docs and Google Slides and, of course, with the Chrome web browser.
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.
- Digital dictionary
- Web search tool
- Syllables 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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