The Internet has made it a lot easier for computer users to look up words, definitions, translations and encyclopedias. But even if you use the Internet for these things, you may run into usability issues or sites that display one kind of information but lack others that you are also interested in.
WordWeb Pro is a desktop English thesaurus and dictionary that integrates into nearly every software on a computer system. The program runs in offline mode by default, but can connect to the Internet to provide additional information when an Internet connection is available.
You can bring up the main application interface to look up words or phrases right away, or use the the program’s hotkey (Ctrl and right-clicking after selecting a word or Ctrl-Alt-W) to send that word to the program interface. If you use the keyboard shortcut you also get options to replace the selected word or phrase in the browser with an alternative. The integration was tested successfully in the Firefox web browser, Thunderbird email client and Microsoft Word. It is likely that it will work in the majority of Windows programs as well.
And since it uses its own word databases that are available on the computer, results are almost displayed instantly.
WordWeb Pro displays the spelling and meanings of the word or phrase (separated into nouns, verbs and derived where appropriate). The nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs buttons on the right can be used to quickly jump between those groups in the interface.
The lower half of the screen displays word related information that may include synonyms, words that are similar, types or antonyms. The word interface for instance displays type of (e.g. computer programme, surface) and Types (CLI, GUI) when the word is looked up in WordWeb.
A double-click on any word listed in the interface looks up that word immediately in the program. You can use the back and forward buttons or the history pulldown menu to quickly open up a word again that you have already looked up.
Words, phrases or the entire text can be copied directly when they are displayed in the definition part of the interface, or copied using the copy button when they are displayed in the lower part.
Plus and minus buttons are sometimes displayed in the interface to display additional or less alternatives.
WordWeb Pro comes with an audio module that offers to pronounce the current word or phrase to the user. It is still an interesting feature, especially so for non-native speakers who have troubles pronouncing particular words.
When you connect the program to the Internet you extend its functionality to include information from Wikipedia, Wiktionary and Wordweb Online in the program interface. A click on one of the tabs opens the word’s page on Wikipedia or Wiktionary directly in the program interface. This may be handy if additional information about a word or phrase are needed that the program cannot supply.
A bookmarking system is available to quickly jump to a word or phrase look up in the program.
The professional version of WordWeb comes with features that that free version does not offer. This includes 65,000 additional audio pronunciations (compared to 5000 of the free version), 5000 additional definitions, the ability to add custom web references and glossaries, integration of third party dictionaries, wildcard searches, full text definition search and the ability to find and solve anagrams.
Options
It is possible to change the hotkeys to look up words in third party applications. This is done via the Options > Hotkey menu. The program supports both a one-click look up and a traditional keyboard shortcut look up hotkey.
The program preferences can be used to change the English locale (you are asked during installation to pick one), to enable vulgar or offensive words under synonyms and suggestions or to make the program stay always on top in the operating system.
The program is offered as a free and pro version for Windows and a version for Apple’s iPhone. Interested users can download the free version from the developer website or purchase the pro version from this page.
Verdict
Wordweb Pro is a sophisticated English thesaurus and dictionary. The program’s easy to use, integrates well with all kinds of applications and shines thanks to its ability to integrate third party services in the interface.
Giveaway
We have ten Wordweb Pro licenses to give away. Leave a comment below for a chance to win one of those licenses. Please let us know how you look up words currently.
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Using the free version, and its truly awesome. The pro version adds more features and more definitions. Please count me in for a license.
This is one of the best softwares that I want to own. I am using the free version at present.
I use WordWeb free version on my desktop and on my iPod Touch, as well. Since english is not my first language, I miss the extra audio pronunciations Pro version has.
P.S: Sorry for my poor english; getting the Pro version could improve it. So, thanks for this opportunity!
I’m using the free version – I’d love the pro version
The all in one solutions to find definitions and synonyms etc. The best is that it has good and huge set of synonym and root words, pronunciation.support asian english, Provide cotsomzed options etc. Tab UI.
Count me in for it
I’m currently checking the meaning of words using Google Translate or m-w.com. In case I’m not connected to the internet I have a Collins desktop dictionary installed.
Well…i have never tried those dictionaries; this will definitely be a great opportunity to delve into that arena.
Thanks for the offer as well as the review/info.
I must say WordWeb is the best dictionary software that anyone can get. It’s really great with a good-looking and simple user interface.
The free version is great and offers all basic features that someone would require. I currently use the free version.
The Pro version as per the website has some advanced features that make the experience more convenient. WordWeb is a must dictionary software – and the free version is just fine.
WordWeb Free will offer most features available in other dictionary softwares – but to enjoy WordWeb’s most greatest features; you will need WordWeb Pro.
Though, I would really like to have WordWeb Pro.
I have been using the free version for a long time and i am truly satisfied with it. But the inviting features of the pro version seems tempting. I would be happy to able to try the full version
Interesting Tool. Currently I just use google or go directly to dictionary.com. Please include me in the giveway draw, this would be a great gift for my wife who teaches and likes to spice up here lesson plans with a few uncommonly known words to keep the kids on their toes and asking questions. Great review, if I am not picked we’ll definitely check out the free version and probably use it.
Offline dictionary with pronunciation will be good. Thanks for giveaway.
Very handy software. love to win this. Thanks for great giveaway
Thanks
https://twitter.com/#!/rusirucreat/status/144370579368198144
Urban DIctionary is pretty good.
Same here using free version. Although the tricky encounter is asking how often do you fly. Just click none! i do got to admits this is by far the easiest and friendly to use.
I love WordWeb, I’ve been using it for almost a decade now. I can’t imagine having a PC (at home or work) without it. But since I’m a cheapskate, I never bothered to get the Pro version.
Good Program. In English.
Thanks for the offer.
I would love to use it since i am into academic research :). currently i look up stuff directly on the web!
regards
Hi!
Please count me in :)
I’m using ImTranslator for firefox.
Count me in. A very useful software.
This program is packed with information & usefulness.
—
usefulness / yoos-ful-nus
1. The quality of being of practical use
—
I would like this & enter todays draw, thanks martin.
http://twitter.com//Bionic_/status/144381944069750785
I have been using a free version since it came into existence and have only one word to describe it EXCELLENT.
A pro version on my computer will be a great Xmas present!!!
This is one of the best dictionary,I am using the free version from last three years,
I would like to get pro version. Please count me in…
Hope to win one license
Thanks
Hi,
I currently use the following way to look for a word meaning :
I search “Define word” (without quotes) in Google.
A local & integrated solution would be better.
Count me in please.
Thanks for the GW.
Hi Martin.
I was eagerly waiting for this particular giveaway. I am a student of English Literature & would love to get a license to help me in my studies.
I am still an undergraduate [in my final year] & will likely be pursuing my Masters in English Lietrature.
I have been using TheSage English Language Dictionary at times, but mostly the WordWeb Free version for looking up directly. Another thing, TheSage happens to be having issues in development – so I lookup to WordWeb to endure forever.
However, the WordWeb free version has a few important limitations. Like,
I am particular about perfecting my pronunciation of words & so the ‘Pro’ version is going to be incredibly helpful! On the whole, WordWeb Pro is an indispensable tool for the lover of English language and Literature.
Please do count me in for the license to the ‘Pro’ version.
Thank you very much!
I look up words with WordWeb! Not pro, though. I’ve tried alternatives in the past like Babylon, Lingoes and such, but I find WordWeb the lightest and most convenient and the word capture system is the best. If it had translation to Japanese, which I’m learning, it would be GOD.
Great giveaway particularly for a student like me as my language is awful not to mention my speaking and pronunciation. Please count me in!
Thank for this again.
Here my tweet https://twitter.com/#!/CoolCrackerz/status/144394321054019584
I currently use a Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries offline and Google and Merriam-Webster online for looking up words.
Regards
Thanks for the contests. I use dictionary.com but that limits me to looking up words while connected to the internet. Having the Pro version would prevent the need to plug in.
Languages… I am always in troubles with them! I really should need this software for my daily activities. We will see…
Thanx also for this giveaway, Martin.
Cheers,
Lello.Siddi.
Was using WordWeb, but because of its limitations in the free version, I switched to TheSage.
Would love to go back to WordWeb because of its more simplified interface and the pro version would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.