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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I currently use the Oxford Dictionary application or search on Google, but I like WordWeb a lot and would love to have a licensed copy on my computer.
Wow. one of the best and most liked Dictionary. Count me in
I use to use this pro version and I really liked it, I like the win this so I can start to use it again.
I’m currently checking the meaning of words using Google Translate or use my Websters dictionary which is time consuming. I would love have a copy of Wordweb Pro.
Thank you for offering this great tool up for grab. I use the free version with limited functionality and I can’t do without it since English is not my first language.
I wish to win a license.
Hi,
This software would certainly help to me and family for two reasons:
1. Most of the times the computer is offline and online dictionaries are not useful. We have to consult the dictionary(book).
2. English is not our native language and we have to consult the dictionary often while reading documents.
Thank you for hosting this giveaway.
Regards,
Shine.
I am currently using wordweb free to look up words… But I like to have wordweb pro!
i currently look up for words @ WordWeb free so i ‘d love to win the pro version!!!
This software is pretty useful. I don’t have to use Bing or Google by typing “Define:xxxxx”
Hi, currently I use a dictionary or use google to look up words. Please count me in
Thanks
i really need this nice software!!! thank you for this contest and thank you for the chnace!
https://twitter.com/#!/Alex77toy/status/144423343435681792
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=314136221938615&id=100003055787962
I’ve been using free version since 2008.
This free version will keep asking how many times you fly in a year to continue using it for free..haha
would love to use pro version..can i?
Have been using WordWeb Free version since more than 2yrs and I must say it’s a must have program, specially for those engaged in writing detailed texts. Would love to win a license of Wordweb Pro, Thanks Martin for putting up this gr8 giveaway. :)
I’d like to try this software to improve my English. Currently, I use a number of ways to look up words: My Langenscheidt dictionaries, dict.leo.org, the Oxford English dictionary that is on my Kindle, quick googling… this software looks like it could be a very helpful addition, as except for the Kindle, none of the other options I use is really integrated in any program.
another great give away…i’ve been using the free version for years and i’d like a get a license for the pro version so that i don’t have to lie about taking more than two flights a year….thanks
How I look up words currently? The classical and n00b-ie way.Copy and paste to Google. And voila! there is the definition.
WordWeb seems like a very interesting program. So yeah.
Love to have this. Currently I look up words using Google. The pronunciation feature in Pro is awesome!!
Looks useful. Now I use the paper dictionary.
Am already a subscriber to your newsletter, so plese just enter me in the drawing for WordWeb Pro. More often than not, I just pick up the traditional dictionary and/or thesaurus to check words, because I’m usually working on a PC rather than mobile computer. The old hardback books still have some functionality, you know. But WordWeb Pro sounds like it would be a quantum leap for me and so much better and would also facilitate working on the go.
Hi,
Please count me in on this giveaway. I use Yahoo or Google search and an old fashioned paper dictionary/thesaurus.
Thanks,
NRL
Hi I use the free version and would love the pro version – I draft documents all for a living and I am constantly looking up the meaning of words and using the thesaurus to better express myself. I would love a copy of the pro version of WordWeb and I would really get a lot of use out of it. Thanks for setting up the give-away – please count me in the draw!
Count me in Please.
I have been using dictionary dot com
Thanks!
I use Google search operator to define some search terms.
Thanks for the giveaway!
been using the free one for years now!
Hello,
Thanks for the detailed review and Giveaway.
Please count me in.
Regards
Great giveaway.
I would use this.
Thanks a lot Martin.
I have been using the free/unpaid version of WordWeb for years now.
It is the best ever tool one could ever have.
A must for all.
Please count me in and wish me luck on winning.
Thanks,
Grr
Wow… I have been looking for something like this for ages now. I have been using Microsoft Quickshelf 2000 for years, but as I am getting set to migrate from XP to 7, and as Quickshelf does not work beyond XP, I have been hunting for a suitable replacement. Thanks, Martin! I haven’t won any of your giveaways yet, but if I only win one, this is the one I need most.
Using the free version, and its truly awesome. The pro version adds more features and more definitions. Please count me in for a license! :D
This looks like a great program. Currently I use M-W.com and really need a native program due to the limitaions involved in online services. Thanks!