Here are two definitions of the word "swot":
Collins: "If you call someone a swot, you disapprove of the fact that they study extremely hard and are not interested in other things."
Oxford: "A person who studies hard, esp. one regarded as spending too much time studying."
I think so Collins is easy than Oxford for me as a foreigner.
ReplyDeleteAnd your posts are easy to read and understand than google's official posts for me :)
Oxford seems simpler and better to me.
ReplyDeleteAgain?? How many times have they changed dictionary providers in the last two years?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anonymous. Collins is almost incomprehensible -- as a definition -- to this native speaker of American English.
ReplyDeleteI think Collins' definitions are easier to remember. Nonetheless, I have no problem at all trying the Oxford dictionary. However, they haven't implemented the spelling through the International Phonetic Alphabet, neither the pronunciation, which I find very useful.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, it is using a non-standard (i.e. non IPA) phonetic transliteration. That means it is useless for me.
ReplyDeleteCan you please, please, PRETTY PLEASE let google.com define: searches use this, or some combination? Typing "define: google" into google search used to have a real dictionary...
ReplyDeleteOh and google.com/translate integration would be great too :)
ReplyDeleteIf you select 'English to Chinese (Simp)' when you look up a word, you'll find that the definition is from Oxford Advanced Learners' Dictionary.
ReplyDeleteNot a great decision, as far as I'm concerned. Especially when it comes to pronunciations. No love for the IPA?! I think I have to switch to something else. Thank you, Google Dictionary, and goodbye.
ReplyDeleteI'm really sad that the pronunciation feature is no longer supported. The pronunciation feature of the previous Google Dictionary is my most important reason to use this service. Now I have to look for a new free dictionary service which support audio pronunciation.
ReplyDeleteAgree with ducbh. Petition Google to put the audio pronunciation feature back.
ReplyDeleteWhy not use and contribute to Wordnet? That would make sense for keeping it an 'open web' wouldn't it?
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to put to put back IPA? IPA is still available in other languages, only not in pure english dict, why?
ReplyDeleteAn UK English dictionary with an American pronunciation. Is it a joke?
ReplyDeleteAnd yet the ancient dictionary was so great!
Google Dictionary now includes the pronunciation feature. Still lacking the correct IPA.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, you'll find audio pronunciation and a choice of British and US transcription in the free version of the Macmillan English Dictionary.
ReplyDeleteAlso the only free English learner's dictionary to include thesaurus links for individual senses (meanings) of the headword.
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English prof
As a foreigner who has been striving to learn English, I really miss the old dictionary. It had much more examples which could not only help me understand the connotations of the vocabulary, but also let me know how to use them. In addition, the old dictionary contained many useful idioms and phrases which the current barely has.
ReplyDeleteI used to love Google Dictionary so much; every time after I looked up a word in it, I was excited because I learned something more. Now, I just get confused and disappointed again and again, and start to hate Google.
I have starred nearly a thousand of words, idioms and phrases in my Google account and been using it as a vocabulary book (I memorize them and go over and over again to enhance the memory). Now a large part of the word links lead to mere blank.
I don't know why Google have to change providers again and again as some other commentators said; I can only assume they have good monetary reasons, which would render my complains here sheer nonsense.
Sigh~
PS. The constant presence of "we are sorry..." is so annoying!
Collins learner dictionary is very hard to read. Good decision.
ReplyDeleteThe Oxford dictionary is TERRIBLE! I just looked up an adverb and it gave the definition as "in a ... manner." Really Oxford. I didn't know that was what an adverb was!
ReplyDelete