Google Chrome has a nifty new feature called DictionaryTip. It displays definitions for the current word as you type it in the address bar. This is a great way to learn new words and expand your vocabulary. Just hit the “Dictionary” button (it looks like a book) and start typing in the word you want to know more about. Google will give you a list of definitions, along with some helpful tips on how to use that word. For example, if I type “cat,” DictionaryTip will give me this definition: “a small domesticated mammal typically having fur and four legs.” It also tells me that “cat” is an informal term for “a man.” So if I wanted to say “I’m not interested in talking to you, cat,” I could just type that into the address bar and DictionaryTip would give me the correct spelling and pronunciation. DictionaryTip is a really handy tool for anyone who wants to learn more about words or expand their vocabulary. It’s especially helpful if you’re not sure how to spell or pronounce a word. Just hit the “Dictionary” button and start typing in whatever word you want to know more about! ..
DictionaryTip in Action
For our example we left the default settings in place and used the mouse to access DictionaryTip. To use your mouse simply hover the cursor over a word as shown here…
Double click and the word is highlighted. Notice that there is also a small icon just below the highlighted word…to open the “Popup Reference Window” move your mouse over the icon.
The “Popup Reference Window” will quickly appear and you will be able to move the window to a different location within the browser window if desired. The “Popup Reference Window” may also be resized to better suit your needs. Here you can see the definition for our example word from “dictionary.com”…
If you prefer to use one of the other services you may change to it using the drop-down menu.
The definition for our example word from “thefreedictionary.com”.
Perhaps you would prefer a synonym or antonym instead? Use the secondary drop-down menu to select “thesaurus”.
And just like that you will have a listing of both synonyms or antonyms for the word in question. Notice that even here there is still a brief definition provided.
Options
In the options you will be able to make changes in how you activate DictionaryTip using your mouse or the keyboard shortcut. You will also be able to specify which services are available for reference and add custom sites if desired.
Conclusion
If you need an easy way to look up a definition, synonym, and/or antonym for a word while browsing then this is definitely a great extension to have added to your browser.
Links
Download the DictionaryTip extension (Google Chrome Extensions)
