Want to look up “thaumaturge” while on the train? Then you will need a dictionary app or software for a computer. Dictionary apps make looking up words speedy. They are also highly adept at providing synonyms, word histories and associations.
Dictionary apps have seen a surge in recent years thanks to increased demand. There are numerous such apps on online markets. It can be difficult to pick the best one for your platform. If this is the case with you, refer to the following list the find the best dictionary app for you:
1. Dictionary.com App (iOS/Android/Windows)
Dictionary.com is the most popular reference website in the world. The site’s accompanying dictionary app is just as convenient and essential. The app is available for free for iPhones and Android phones. The app has a distinct advantage over the website in that it works offline.
The interface of the app is very colorful and appealing. Icons are easy to use, and the app can suggest words to type. The app provides comprehensive meaning and pronunciation information just like the website does. Some features like voice recognition have a lag and work only online. Other than minor issues, this is definitely the best dictionary app anyone can download.
2. Merriam-Webster App (iOS/Android)
From one of the world’s most recognized dictionaries comes with easy-to-use dictionary app. This app is less cluttered that Dictionary.com’s. The design is minimalist overall. The app offers all the essentials like work suggestions and simile examples. The only downside is that there are onscreen ads. Using an ad-blocker can temporarily fix the ad issue though.
3. English Dictionary (Android)
This is definitely the best dictionary app for the Android platform. It is free, works offline, and is surprisingly simple to use. Word definitions are accurate to the dot. There are tap buttons that allow users to do things like highlight text and share words.
Word entries are based on Wiktionary, so the total definitions are limited to about 160,000. There’s a neat trick where clicking on a word generates the correct pronunciation for that word. While there are many perks, this app does not give history behind a word’s meaning.
4. Oxford Dictionary of English (iOS/Android/macOS)
The Oxford dictionary has the most comprehensive word and meaning list anywhere. The total number of words with entries exceeds 350,000. This includes phrases. Definitions are derived from the revered Oxford English Corpus. Definitions are accompanied by audio pronunciations as well.
This is also one of the few dictionary software available for Macs. Both the dictionary app and the computer program have features like search auto complete. Keyword lookup is also a breeze. If you are a college student or a researcher, this is definitely the best dictionary app to have for big projects.
5. WordBook English Dictionary and Thesaurus (iOS)
WordBook is a neat little dictionary app specially designed for the iOS platform. It offers more than 220,000 word definitions, 30,000 etymologies and 120, 000 pronunciation guides. Spoken pronunciations are also provided. Pros include in-built thesaurus, word lists and history manager. Cons include lack of timely updates.
6. Wordnet (Android/iOS)
Looking for a solid offline dictionary app for both Androids and iPhones? Then look no further than Wordnet. It comes with an internet-connected lexical database that’s easy to upgrade. You can get short definitions for words as well as semantic relationships between similar words. The file size is also small at 11 MB. Apple users should be aware that not all features work with latest editions of the iOS.
7. WordWeb (iOS/Android/PC)
WordWeb is the most popular PC dictionary software. Now it is also available as an app. It works fast and reliably on any Windows OS. WordWeb can work offline without a problem. The app comes with 285, 000 word definitions. New lists are constantly updated. The problem for Windows is that software is not updated as soon as it should.
8. Babylon (iOS/Android/PC)
Most people have heard of Babylon as a free dictionary app and translation software. Anyone can download Babylon for free. It is, in fact, currently one of the top-rated dictionary apps on the Play store as well as the Apple Store. Translations are reliable for most languages, but don’t depend too much on it.
It’s easy to get a definition or a translation with just a single clock or a tap. Currently, the app supports 75 different languages. Babylon is also compatible with a number of handheld devices. Offline translation is enabled as well. Plus, the app provides access to 1,600 glossaries and dictionaries in 12 languages.
9. GoldenDict (Linux/Android)
GoldenDict is the best rated and best overall dictionary software for Linux. It works on Android smartphones as an added bonus. The software uses a WebKit to check the accuracy of articles. It currently supports a number of dictionary file formats like .BGL, .DICT and .DSL. Convenient tools like Wikiepdia are also supported. For Linux users, there really is no better dictionary program than this one.
10. Idioms & Phrases Dictionary (Android/iOS)
Most dictionary apps give word definitions. This is the only one to advance into providing definitions for complicated phrases and idioms. This app will be extremely useful when writing term papers, doing academic research and for certain work-related tasks as well.
The number of idioms and phrases are limited to about 4,000. But it’s still useful, especially for non-Native speakers. The dictionary is completely free to download. The interface is type friendly and will not cause hassles. This is a great app to accompany a conventional dictionary app.
Any one of the above mentioned apps and programs well suit business and home needs adequately. Most of the above software is free to use. However, if you are willing to pay a small subscription fee, you can squeeze more out of these apps.
The post Top 10 Best Dictionary Apps and Software appeared first on Computer Realm.
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