Help! What kind of English dictionary should I use?

Have you ever searched for ‘English dictionary’ on Amazon.com? I did the other day and guess how many results came up …

No, it’s more than that …

More than that …

The total number was 205,331 results!

If Amazon.com sells 205,331 different dictionaries, can you imagine how many different English dictionaries there are in the whole world?

The best English dictionary depends on your level. Beginners get the most from a dual-language (bilingual) dictionary for quick lookups, while intermediate and advanced learners build fluency fastest with a single-language (English–English) dictionary — ideally one you can carry everywhere as an online dictionary or an app. Here’s how to choose among the five main kinds.

Key definition: A dual-language (bilingual) dictionary lists each word with its equivalent in another language, making it the fastest way for beginners to find out what a new word means. A single-language (English–English) dictionary explains English words in English with several example sentences, training you to think in English rather than translate.

Key takeaways: To choose the right English dictionary, (1) start with a dual-language dictionary if you are a beginner, (2) move to a single-language dictionary as you improve, (3) prefer dictionaries from well-known publishers, and (4) use any dictionary in moderation so you keep building fluency.

1. What is a dual-language dictionary?

A dual-language dictionary gives you the equivalent of each word in another language. One half lets you look up a word in your language and see it in English; the other half lists English words with their equivalents in your language.

This is probably the first kind of dictionary you saw when you started learning English — and it is genuinely useful for beginners, because it is the fastest way to find out what a new word means. The trade-offs are that the exact meaning of a word is sometimes slightly different from its translation, and that it encourages you to translate rather than think in English. Choose a dual-language dictionary when you are a beginner who needs speed and clarity.

2. What is a single-language (English–English) dictionary?

A single-language dictionary explains English words in English and backs each one up with several examples. There is a good range available covering many different types of English — there are even special editions just for phrasal verbs and idioms.

These dictionaries are best for more advanced learners, because they make you think in English and give you extra reading practice every time you look up a word. The trade-off is that you need enough vocabulary to understand the definitions themselves. Choose an English–English dictionary once you are past the beginner stage.

3. Are electronic dictionaries a good choice?

It is possible to find both dual-language and single-language electronic dictionaries, and some devices even have several dictionaries loaded inside them.

Electronic dictionaries are useful when they are used well — they often include audio examples, so you can check your pronunciation instantly. Be careful about relying on them too much: if you keep translating words on screen, your speaking and listening skills may not become fluent. Choose an electronic dictionary for pronunciation support, not as a permanent translating crutch.

4. Which online dictionaries are best?

There are loads of great online dictionaries, and many of the best are free. Dictionaries from established publishers such as Cambridge University Press, Oxford, and Collins are usually very accurate and are regularly updated.

The warning: be careful with free dictionaries that let users write their own definitions of words — those entries are not always correct. Choose an online dictionary from a well-known publisher to be sure the information is right.

5. Should I use a dictionary app?

Having a dictionary you can take everywhere with you is really useful, and since most of us carry our mobile phones everywhere, it makes sense to use them as dictionaries.

As with online dictionaries, it is best to use apps from well-known sources to make sure the information in them is correct. It is also important not to use them too much — otherwise you may find it difficult to improve your fluency and your ability to guess words from context. Choose a dictionary app from a trusted publisher, and treat it as a quick reference rather than a translation tool.

Five English dictionaries compared at a glance

| Type of dictionary | What it is | Best for | Main drawback | |---|---|---|---| | Dual-language (bilingual) | Each word listed with its equivalent in another language | Beginners who need fast lookups | Encourages translating instead of thinking in English | | Single-language (English–English) | English words defined in English with examples | Intermediate and advanced learners | Needs enough vocabulary to read the definitions | | Electronic | Handheld device, often with audio examples | Checking pronunciation on the go | Overuse can slow speaking and listening fluency | | Online | Free or paid dictionaries on the web | Accuracy from publishers such as Cambridge, Oxford, Collins | User-generated entries may be incorrect | | App | A dictionary on your mobile phone | Learning anywhere, anytime | Overuse reduces fluency and context-guessing skills |

Choose a dual-language dictionary if you are a beginner. Choose a single-language dictionary (in any format) once you can read English definitions — that is the point where most learners make the biggest progress.

FAQ: Choosing the Right English Dictionary

What is the best English dictionary for beginners?

The best dictionary for a beginner is a dual-language (bilingual) dictionary, because it is the fastest way to find out what new words mean. As your vocabulary grows, move to a single-language (English–English) dictionary, which explains words in English with examples and trains you to think in English.

Is a bilingual dictionary or an English–English dictionary better?

A bilingual dictionary is better for quick lookups early on; an English–English dictionary is better for building fluency, because it makes you think in English and gives you extra reading practice. Many learners use both — bilingual for speed, English–English for depth.

Are free online dictionaries accurate?

Free online dictionaries from established publishers such as Cambridge University Press, Oxford, and Collins are usually very accurate. Be careful with free dictionaries that let users write their own definitions — those entries are not always correct.

How can I avoid overusing my dictionary?

Try to guess the meaning of an unknown word from context before you look it up, and only check the dictionary when you really need to. Relying on your dictionary too much — especially for translating — can slow down your reading, speaking, and listening fluency.

Wrap Up

So, with over 205,000 dictionaries to choose from, remember: your level decides. Start bilingual, graduate to an English–English dictionary, and keep it handy as a trusted app or online dictionary from a publisher you can rely on.
Using a dictionary well is only the start — build the habit of using new words in sentences and you will get some real English word power in no time.

image: Liz West

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