Select an English Dictionary

So many dictionaries, so much choice. Which one's the best for you?

* First you have to choose the language. As a beginner you need a dictionary in your own language, but you should try to use English - English as soon as possible.

Whatever the language, a good quality dictionary has: ...

1. A good explanation: including a translation or description, what kind of word it is (noun, verb etc.), whether it is slang, formal or informal, UK or US English), etc.
2. An example sentence: always learn a word in its context
3. The pronunciation: audio (easy) or the phonetic system (more difficult)

* When your English is better, a second dictionary for collocations (word combinations like "bright idea", "talk freely") and a thesaurus (groups of words with a similar meaning like "dictionary", "lexicon, "wordbook" and "glossary") is very useful.

* For the slang used in films (movies) and songs (informal spoken language, like "yo", "wanna" and "my bad") you'll probably have to use a slang dictionary.

Tip: bookmark or favourite words you look up in the dictionary so that you can review them later.

Find recommended websites and apps at Vocabulary Links.