Match the level
Notice why the presenters recommend different resources for different learners.
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Which English Dictionary Is Best for You?
Compare nine online dictionaries and learn how to choose one for definitions, pronunciation, phrasal verbs, and usage.
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Listen with a purpose
Notice the useful language in “Which English Dictionary Is Best for You?”.
Check the features
Listen for tests covering definitions, collocations, pronunciation, and phrasal verbs.
Compare usability
Consider whether information is clear and organised enough to support your next question.
Cultural note
The context makes the phrase land.
Good learner dictionaries explain usage, not just translation. Examples and grammar patterns can show how a word behaves in real English.
Try it
Practice the situation.
Look up one verb in two dictionaries and compare definitions, examples, pronunciation, and phrasal verbs. Say your response aloud before checking the examples below.
“I am at an upper-intermediate level, so I will use a full-featured dictionary.”
Expression cards · 10 from the transcript
These cards were extracted from the transcript and grouped by the kind of language learners can practice.
Showing 10 of 10 cards.
the short version
A brief summary of the main answer.
Example sentence
“If you want the short version, here it is.”
full-featured
Offering many useful functions or options.
Example sentence
“The most complete, full-featured online dictionary.”
pros and cons
The advantages and disadvantages of something.
Example sentence
“You will see the pros and cons.”
look up a word
Search for a word in a reference source.
Example sentence
“We tested dictionaries by looking up common verbs.”
based around
Organised around a central idea or activity.
Example sentence
“We created six tests based around common verbs.”
the difference between
The way two things are unlike each other.
Example sentence
“Explain the difference between UK and US pronunciation.”
redirect you to
Send you to another page or source.
Example sentence
“It will redirect you to the root verb.”
easy to use
Simple to understand and operate.
Example sentence
“Is the dictionary website easy to use?”
The main idea
The most important point in a lesson or conversation.
Example sentence
“The main idea of this lesson is how people communicate in community & services situations.”
In other words
A phrase used to explain the same idea more simply.
Example sentence
“In other words, the speaker is showing a natural way to handle this situation.”
Check your understanding
What does “the short version” communicate?
RTB commentary
A dictionary is more useful when you know what to test: completeness, usage information, pronunciation, examples, and how easy the site is to navigate.