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English: skills for learning
English: skills for learning

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2.1 Different types of dictionaries

There are many types of dictionaries:

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.