The dictionary is something that you use when you want to know the meaning of some words. Nowadays, you can ask the meaning of a word in Google, and you will get the information about that word in detail. So, usually, we do not need a dictionary quite often. But, some people still need a Dictionary for various purposes or they feel more comfortable with that. Thus, in this article, I am going to share a few great free online dictionaries, and also some free foreign language dictionaries.
Free Online Dictionaries
- Thefreedictionary.com: If you are an individual who has been looking for an educational and informative online dictionary that is available free of cost, then, in that case, make it a point to end your search at thefreedictionary.com. This particular free online dictionary comes across as a spot-on pick for all those people who desire to get some quick online references. On an overall level, this dictionary is known to come complete with comprehensive content. Similarly, thefreedictionary.com is known to be absolutely user-friendly, which is exactly why more and more people are seen turning towards the same.
- Oxford Dictionaries: One of the dictionaries that is otherwise popular as one of the most trusted dictionaries is none other than the Oxford Dictionaries. One highlight feature associated with this particular free online dictionary is that it is known to offer you complete grammar guidance. It wouldn’t be wrong to term that this particular free online dictionary comes across as just the right current English dictionary.
- Yourdictionary.com: Last, but not least comes yourdictionary.com which is known to provide not just a free online dictionary, but also a free online thesaurus. If you are an individual who often gets stuck with word pronunciations, then in that case, yourdictionary.com can come to your assistance as it tends to provide audio pronunciations of words. Moreover, you can get access to a wide array of word games if you get your hands on this free online dictionary.
Free Foreign Language Dictionaries
- Lexilogos: If you are on the lookout for a free foreign language dictionary that tends to readily offer meanings, translations as well as grammar and spelling checks of words and text that belong to the French language category is none other than Lexilogos. The best part about this particular dictionary is that it is known to deliver near-accurate results. In addition, Lexilogos is one such free foreign language dictionary that is known to put forth a collection of words from across the world. All said and done, in recent times a good deal of individuals are seen turning towards the same for assistance.
- Beolingus: One such free foreign language dictionary that is known to offer two-way German English translation is nothing, but Beolingus. One highlight feature associated with this dictionary is that it is absolutely user-friendly. Moreover, Beolingus is that online dictionary, which is known to be around for quite some time now. Similarly, you can also make use of this free foreign language dictionary for the sake of German to Spanish as well as German to Portuguese usage. On an overall level, this particular online dictionary is likely to win full points as far as its performance is concerned since it is believed to be quick and efficient.
- Mdbg: Last, but not least comes the Mdbg dictionary. This is one such foreign language dictionary that is known to come across as a bang-English to-Chinese dictionary. Moreover, this particular dictionary is known to produce swift results. On an overall level, Mdbg is one such online dictionary that is known to be available totally free of cost. In recent times, a large number of people have turned to this particular online dictionary in order to access English to Chinese usage.
Why Do We Need Online Dictionaries?
There was a time when we used to have an offline dictionary. I remember I had a mini pocket dictionary of Oxford, and it was a great help for me. But, nowadays, everyone is online for studying and other works. So, online dictionaries have become increasingly valuable.
Below are some reasons why online dictionaries are so useful:
1. Accessibility: One of the advantages of dictionaries is their availability anytime anywhere, with an internet connection. They can be easily accessed through devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets making them incredibly convenient.
2. Wide Language Coverage: Online dictionaries cater to a range of languages making them invaluable for individuals learning a language or seeking translations.
3. Quick Definitions: These digital resources provide accurate definitions, synonyms, antonyms, pronunciation guides, and usage examples that greatly aid comprehension and language skills development.
4. Updates: Online dictionaries are regularly updated to ensure they offer up-to-date and relevant information. This includes incorporating words and reflecting changes in language usage. On the other hand, if you have an offline dictionary, you have to get a new one for updated content. But, in online, the app or the website of the dictionary is updated automatically.
5. Portability: Unlike printed dictionaries that have limitations, online dictionaries provide you with the ability to carry an entire library of language resources in your pockets.
6. Features: Many online dictionaries go beyond definitions by offering additional features like audio pronunciations, word games, grammar guides, etymology explanations, and contextual usage examples. These features enhance the learning experience for users.
7. Cost-effective: The majority of dictionaries are available free of charge making knowledge and language resources accessible to an audience. But, if you have to get an offline dictionary, you have to pay for it.
8. Search capabilities: These dictionaries often come with search functions that help users locate information swiftly and effectively saving them time and energy.
9. Versatility: Many online dictionaries go beyond providing definitions. They integrate tools, like translation services, thesauruses, encyclopedias, and grammar checkers to offer language support.
10. Collaboration options: Some online dictionaries allow you to contribute by suggesting edits sharing feedback or engaging in discussions. This fosters a collaborative environment where the dictionary can evolve based on user input.
Table of These Dictionaries for a Quick Glance
| Dictionaries | Languages Covered | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| TheFreeDictionary | English | Comprehensive content, user-friendly interface, quick online references. |
| Oxford Dictionaries | English | Complete grammar guidance, trusted source, current English dictionary. |
| YourDictionary | English | Provides a thesaurus, audio pronunciations, word games. |
| Lexilogos | French | Offers meanings, translations, grammar & spelling checks for French; collection of words from around the world. |
| Beolingus | German, English, Spanish, Portuguese | Two-way German-English translation, user-friendly, efficient performance. |
| Mdbg | English, Chinese | English-to-Chinese dictionary, swift results, free access. |
Hi Zainil,
Thank you nice stuff sharing. These are helping to preparing an competition, writing an article etc. Oxford Dictionaries is trust-able because it provide accurate meaning of the word. Convince the word in very way.
Yes, Oxford is really nice.. Between if you want for English, then do use wordweb, it is nice !
you can find a nice list here -> https://www.techtricksworld.com/2012/07/free-offline-dictionaries.html
Hi,
It’s very nice information. Today mostly people searching online word and word definition .
Thanks for sharing this information..
awesome nice for polish your English skills and thanks for sharing these dictionaries
thanks
hi,
really you have posted on a great topic dictionaries. I hope it will help everyone.
thanks for sharing with us…. 🙂
Hello Rajkumar,
Thank you for your kind words! 🙂
Hi Zainil
This is the great information shared, we all at one time or other refer these sites, whenever we come across some new word..
Thanks for sharing this great info.
Thanks
Sapna
you’ve gathered a good set of resources. i prefer to use merriam-webster – it has detailed definitions, + synonyms and antonyms, related words etc.
I study German in school but I never heard of Beolingus. It looks great and I’m lucky it’s free of charge. Thanks, Zainil, for posting this article, it really helped me. Thanks again.
Oxford Dictionaries is a great source of help for me since School Days, I really have no idea about other sites you have mentioned. It really helped me for understanding Poems & other tacky words.. Thanks a lot for sharing these sites.
I would also include Wordsmyth which is a premier online dictionary not many people know about. I’m actually starting German classes in 2 weeks so Beolingus has just been favourited on my browser 🙂 Thanks for posting these sites.
Thanks for your add up.
Very nice topic and very helpful for who students are studying in other languages ..
Thanks for sharing