Dictionaries are the ultimate lifeline of learning any language. We are sure that most of you must have found yourself in a situation where you wanted to say something but you couldn’t find the right word.
Most ardent readers can’t live without a dictionary. Every time they come across a new word, the first reaction is to search it up. It helps them get a clear understanding of the text as well as enhance their own vocabulary.
No one can deny the importance of a good vocabulary. You may often find people ransacking their brains for the right word but they never can find one. That is due to limited knowledge of the language. Whether you want to impress your interviewers or impress your boss at work, you will have to master the English language. For this, dictionaries become an indispensable part of your life. And not just any random dictionary, you need to choose the right one that suits your needs and goals. Only then you can make the best use of your resources and upskill.
Dictionaries improve certain significant aspects of your overall language: grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary. Moreover, you don’t simply get a mechanical definition of words; they are supplemented with plenty of examples and a proper etymology section. In this manner, you can know about the origin of a word, its development and the context in which it can be used. Also, you get synonyms and antonyms of every word. Some of the dictionaries even include modern slang and idioms so that you always remain updated.
Since the internet and bookshops are full of an array of dictionaries, there are a couple of things you need to do before making a purchase. This might seem tedious and unnecessary but it is important. First, try to take a detailed look into the features of a dictionary according to your suitability. Also, do a good research about its pros and cons before buying it.
There are plenty of free resources available online, accompanied by videos, audios and fun games to boost your vocabulary. The audio pronunciation helps you to work on your speaking skills. Some online dictionaries even have a translation feature so that you can search the word in your native language. For example, if you are interested to know the meaning of the word in Hindi, you can simply put the English word and translate it with just one click! Learning words has never been this easier, thanks to the internet.
Some good online dictionaries that we recommend are: Cambridge Online Dictionary, Collins Dictionary, Macmillan Online Dictionary, Wiktionary, Google dictionary, Urban Dictionary, Oxford Dictionary. They are a good solution for quick reference when you are reading. However, it is important to note that they have their own limitations. So don’t trust them blindly.
Finally, if you want to do things in a more traditional manner, you can get a printed version of the dictionary from a bookstore.
In the end it’s just a matter of preference. So pick whatever you like as long as it helps you learn better.
