Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Dictionary Software.

Ratings

Feature Set

We considered the number of practical features that the dictionary software offers. These features may include a thesaurus, parts of speech, audio pronunciations and more.

Ease of Use

The dictionary should work in conjunction with other programs so you can quickly find definitions. The software should be user-friendly so the average person feels comfortable using the programs regardless of their computer knowledge.

Search Capabilities

We ranked the software according to its search capabilities. Good software will allow you to search entries using a number of different means including: by clicking on the word, dragging the word to a search box, browsing the entries alphabetically and more.

Content

The total number of entries in the dictionary software.

Ease of Installation

We graded each program on how easy it was to install and whether or not the installation caused errors.

Help/Support

This criterion represents how well the manufacturer supports their customers whether it is through FAQs and tutorials or ways to contact customer support like online forms, email address or phone number.

Features

Compatible With Other Programs

The dictionary software will work in concurrence with another program like Microsoft Word. This makes finding definitions quick and easy, simply click or drag the word to the search box and you'll instantly have a definition.

Spelling

The program will automatically spell check your document or it will help you find the correct spelling.

Thesaurus

The software has a thesaurus so you can always find the right word and enrich your writing with a wide variety of words.

Antonyms

The dictionary lists antonyms, words that mean the opposite of the entry word.

Homophone Words

The software will search for words that sound the same as the entry word but are spelled differently.

Rhyming Words

The dictionary will search for words that rhyme with the entry word. This is a great feature for creative writers and poets.

Parts of Speech

Each definition includes whether the word is a noun, verb, adverb and so on.

Derivatives

The software will search for the word from which the entry word came, if relevant. For example, electricity is a derivative of electric.

Conjugations

The dictionary will include different conjugations of the verb; for example, from the verb run, results may include ran, running and so forth.

Spelling Alternatives

The dictionary will search for any alternative spellings for the entry word. Some alternative spellings may come from different countries like the U.S. and Great Britain.

Phonetic Symbols

Each entry includes phonetic symbols that help with pronunciation.

Verbal Illustration

Every entry in the dictionary software includes an example of how the word is used in a sentence.

Audio Pronunciations

The dictionary software includes audio clips of each word so you can hear how the word should sound. Some programs even include different pronunciations for the word so you can hear the difference between a U.S. and Great Britain pronunciation.

Practice Pronunciations

The software has a feature that will let you record your pronunciation of a word so you can practice speaking properly.

Phonetic Symbol Explanations

The software includes a section that explains phonetic symbols and gives examples of how they sound.

Illustrations

The dictionary has pictures that accompany many of the entries.

Origin

Each entry explains where the word comes from.

Languages

The software includes entries in different languages to aid in translation.

Export

You can export an entry to different programs like Word or Outlook or print the entry.

Internet

The software will connect to the Internet so you can get further information on an entry word.

Filters

You can limit your dictionary so it won't display risqué or vulgar terms, such as swear words.

Online Updates

The developer of the software supplies free online updates so your dictionary will stay current.

Unit Conversions

The software has a unit conversion feature so you could convert pounds to grams, meters to miles and so on.

Change Preferences

You can customize the interface or other options to fit your preferences.

Exercises

The software has quizzes, games or other activities that will help you increase your vocabulary or become a better writer or speller.

Search Capabilities

By Word

You can type the word into a searchbox and the software will find all relevant terms and definitions.

Drag-and-drop

You can drag a word from another program like Word or Outlook to an icon or searchbox and the dictionary software will find that word.

Click on Word

Simply click on the word in another program like Word or Outlook and the dictionary program will find that word. This makes it easy to incorporate the dictionary as you write a letter or paper.

Definition

You can perform a backwards search by entering a definition and the software will display relevant words.

Advanced Search

You can limit your search further by derivation, origin, part of speech and more.

Alphabetically

The software includes an alphabetical list of all of the entries similar to a printed dictionary so you can browse the dictionary and find the word you want.

Help/Support

FAQs

The manufacturer includes a page of Frequently Asked Questions so you can easily find the answers to common questions.

Phone

The manufacturer provides a phone number so you can contact customer support with queries.

eMail

The manufacturer supplies an email address so you can email customer support with any questions or comments.

Online Form

The manufacturer's website has an online form where you can fill in your information and a question or comment for customer support.

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