Have you ever come across Flame Don't know what it means while browsing the internet or reading a text message or email in a second language, and wish there was a quick way to find out its meaning? If you're an iPhone user, you have a great built-in tool called "Look Up" or "Look Up a Word in a Dictionary." This tool not only looks up the meanings of words in your device's primary language, but you can also use it to look up the meanings of words in other languages! In this article, we'll walk you through how to add dictionaries for secondary languages to your iPhone and how to use the "Look Up" feature easily and effectively, especially if you're learning a new language or browsing content in multiple languages.
Why is the Search feature useful?
Look Up is a smart tool that lets you quickly find out the meaning of words without having to leave the app you're using. Whether you're reading an article on Safari, exchanging text messages, or even browsing an e-book, you can select a word and instantly see its meaning. But what makes this feature truly special is its ability to support multiple languages, making it ideal for people who are multilingual or learning a new language.
For example, if you're learning English and come across a word you don't know the meaning of while reading an article, you can easily find out its meaning without needing a separate dictionary app. This saves time and makes the learning experience smoother.
How to add a secondary language dictionary on iPhone
Adding a dictionary for a second language on your iPhone is very simple, and you can do it in two different ways: either through Settings or directly from the Search feature.
The first method: through the settings
◉ Open Settings, then go to General, then Dictionary.
◉ A list of available languages will appear. Find the language you want to add.
◉ Your iPhone will start downloading the dictionary automatically, and when it's finished, you'll see a check mark next to the language.
The second method: Through the “Search” feature
◉ Open any app that supports the “Look up” feature. This could be Safari, Notes, or even the Messages app.
◉ Then long press on a word in the text until the context menu appears.
◉ Choose “Look up.” You may need to swipe left in the menu to find this option, especially if you are using Apple’s intelligence feature.
◉ In the Search window that appears, scroll down and tap Manage Dictionaries.
◉ Choose the language you want to add the dictionary for, and the download will start immediately.
Note
Some languages offer two dictionaries, one with the definition in the original language, and the other with the definition in English. An English dictionary is very useful if you're learning a new language and want to understand the meanings in a familiar language.
How to use the “Search” feature to find out the meanings of words
Once you've added a secondary language dictionary, looking up word meanings is a breeze. Here's how:
◉ In any app that supports the feature, long press on the word you want to know the meaning of.
◉ From the context menu, click “Look up”.
◉ The "Search" window will appear with the definition of the word in your selected language. If a secondary language is added, the appropriate dictionary will be displayed automatically.
For example, if you're reading an article in French and you come across a word like “liberté,” you can select it and choose “search” to find out that it means “freedom.”
Additional features to enhance your experience
The Search feature doesn't just provide definitions of words, but also provides additional tools that make it even more useful, such as:
◉ Search the web. If you want to learn more about a word, click the "Search Web" option in the "Search" window. This will take you directly to Google search results in Safari.
◉ You can also remove a dictionary. If you no longer need a particular dictionary, you can easily remove it by going to “Manage Dictionaries” and clicking on the language again to deselect it.
◉ Learning Support: If you're learning a new language, using the Search feature with a secondary language dictionary helps you build your vocabulary quickly, especially while reading or speaking.
Why is this trick ideal for multilingualism?
If you speak more than one language or are learning a new one, the Search feature is an indispensable tool. Here are some scenarios where it can be useful:
◉ Browse the Internet in a second language. If you read articles or news in another language, you can instantly learn the meanings of new words.
◉ Ease of communication with others. When exchanging text messages in a second language, you can check the meanings of words to ensure you understand or use them correctly.
◉ The feature helps you develop your vocabulary while reading or listening, making the process of learning a new language easier.
For example, imagine you're planning a trip to Spain and reading a Spanish travel guide. When you come across a word like "plaza," you can use the "Search" feature to find out that it means "square," helping you better understand the context.
Tips for getting the most out of Search
To make your search experience more effective, here are some practical tips:
◉ Add multiple dictionaries and don't limit yourself to just one language! If you speak or learn multiple languages, add dictionaries for each one.
◉ Use the feature while reading, try reading articles or books in your second language and use “Search” to learn new words.
◉ Use the Internet search. If the definition is not sufficient, use the “Web Search” option to get more information.
◉ Keep your device up to date, and make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS to take advantage of all the new features.
The "Look up" feature is a simple yet powerful tool, especially if you're someone who interacts with multiple languages on a daily basis. By adding dictionaries for your secondary languages, you can turn your device into a portable dictionary that helps you quickly and easily understand words, whether you're browsing the internet, exchanging messages, or learning a new language. Try this trick and you'll see how it makes your life easier and more productive!
Source:
The best thing about this floating bar is that it translates an entire article without leaving the app, browser, or website!
I use this feature many times, including to learn a new term or to check the meaning of a word when reading or writing in English.