Using dictionaries is part and parcel of everyday work of a language learner. Thus, it is paramount to know the best platforms that can assist you in the process. So, here is a list of 10 top online dictionaries that will undoubtedly come in handy.
English-English
- https://www.dictionary.com/ - In addition to usual things, the platform comprises the dictionary of emoji, acronyms, slang, pop culture and mixed-up meanings. Highly recommended!
2. https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/ - It shows the frequency of English words. There are also word frequency activities and wordlists. In addition to it, it offers an open dictionary with crowd-sourced words.
3. https://www.merriam-webster.com/ - an excellent American platform that defines words, provides tons of material for language lovers. One of my favourite!
4. https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/ - a great platform to define words in both British and American English
5. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/ru/ - this dictionary can be used both as monolingual and bilingual ( English-English or English-Russian).
- https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english - one of the best platforms for learners, teachers and translators.
- Longman Dictionary – one of my favourite, that has everything you need in one place. Unfortunately, now it works only with VPN switched on which makes it a bit less convenient.
8. https://www.urbandictionary.com/ - this website can help you find the meaning of slang and jargon and define words that are often used in the streets.
English-Russian
- https://context.reverso.net/ - a good website where you can translate words/phrases from English into Russian and the other way around. Supports 18 languages.
! All the dictionaries offer online word games, quizzes, puzzles and fun facts about trending words and their origin, as well as grammar reference and practice in varying degrees.
There is no dictionary that has exhaustive information about any word you are looking up. So it makes sense to use at least 3-4 of them together. It will help you gradually build up the understanding of a word and get a better/broader picture of it.
Make sure you save this list and let me know which dictionaries you yourself prefer.