2.1 Different types of dictionaries

There are many types of dictionaries:

• Generic English language dictionaries – these are monolingual dictionaries, which are dictionaries that provide a definition in English.
• Bilingual dictionaries such as the Collins English–French Dictionary [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .
• English language learner’s dictionaries, such as the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary and The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary of Academic English, which provide simple definitions for students.
• Specialist dictionaries such as the Dictionary of Science, which define specialist terms.
• Collocations dictionaries such as the Oxford Collocations Dictionary, or the sites, Ozdic and Just the Word, which allow you to find the most common combinations of words.
• Thesauri such as Thesaurus.com, which provide collocations, synonyms and related words.

Dictionaries can be accessed in a variety of ways. You have the option to use:

• Print dictionaries which you can purchase online or from a bookstore. These normally provide a CD ROM containing additional resources such as advice on how to learn vocabulary, exercises, pronunciation and a full thesaurus.
• Online dictionaries available only on subscription such as the Oxford English Dictionary. This dictionary, which gives comprehensive information, can generally be accessed for free from university libraries by enrolled students.
• Dictionary apps that you can access through a smartphone of tablet.
• Free online dictionaries such as The Collins English Dictionary.
• Search engines such as OneLook which find definitions from several free online dictionaries.