Inside Mac OS X 10.7 Lion: New dictionaries, multiple word views, multitouch lookups
Mac OS X Lion adds polish to the bundled Dictionary app, with new dictionaries and an improved multi-pane interface. The system also improves overall dictionary functions with enhanced Spotlight integration and multitouch support for inline text lookups.
New reference files
The Dictionary app in Mac OS X Lion updates its existing "New Oxford American English" dictionary to the third edition of 2010 (current versions use the second edition from 2005).
A new Oxford Dictionary of [British] English is now included, also the third edition of 2010, and a companion British English Thesaurus now joins the American English version.
The Japanese, Japanese-English, and Japanese Synonym dictionaries from Shogakukan are also updated, bearing a 2010 copyright compared to the existing 2006 version. Apple has also updated its own dictionary file, which includes the company's trademarks and product names.
Better app, system integration
The app itself now uses a two pane display, making it easy to reference a list of words, phrases, or Wikipedia entires in alphabetical order, rather than just one definition at a time.
Additionally, definition functions built into Spotlight now popup with a full definition preview, rather than just displaying the first few words.
Lastly, double clicking with three fingers on a selected word in any standard app now brings up the inline dictionary, which formerly required selecting "Look Up In Dictionary" from the contextual menu. A preference setting within Dictionary selects whether the contextual menu command will open the inline mini-dictionary panel or to launch the full Dictionary app.
New reference files
The Dictionary app in Mac OS X Lion updates its existing "New Oxford American English" dictionary to the third edition of 2010 (current versions use the second edition from 2005).
A new Oxford Dictionary of [British] English is now included, also the third edition of 2010, and a companion British English Thesaurus now joins the American English version.
The Japanese, Japanese-English, and Japanese Synonym dictionaries from Shogakukan are also updated, bearing a 2010 copyright compared to the existing 2006 version. Apple has also updated its own dictionary file, which includes the company's trademarks and product names.
Better app, system integration
The app itself now uses a two pane display, making it easy to reference a list of words, phrases, or Wikipedia entires in alphabetical order, rather than just one definition at a time.
Additionally, definition functions built into Spotlight now popup with a full definition preview, rather than just displaying the first few words.
Lastly, double clicking with three fingers on a selected word in any standard app now brings up the inline dictionary, which formerly required selecting "Look Up In Dictionary" from the contextual menu. A preference setting within Dictionary selects whether the contextual menu command will open the inline mini-dictionary panel or to launch the full Dictionary app.
Comments
I'm not really sure the "[British]" addition was really necessary for the English dictionary. After all, there's a reason the language is called English.
Well, if someone's talking about the Mac's English dictionary, (s)he probably means the default one, which is American English. And yes, it originated in England, but its worldwide importance is due primarily to America.
I'm not really sure the "[British]" addition was really necessary for the English dictionary. After all, there's a reason the language is called English.
Speak for yourself. Anyone with exposure to both international/British English and American English could do themselves a favor by garnering a basic understanding of the differences. Even trolls could benefit: I've lost count of how many times some jerk has mocked another in a form for their spelling when the 'spelling errors' were just a different standard of English.
And, you know, there's professionals like editors, writers, etc.
Well, if someone's talking about the Mac's English dictionary, (s)he probably means the default one, which is American English. And yes, it originated in England, but its worldwide importance is due primarily to America.
You're absolutely right. The British empire had nothing to do with the status of English as the world business and political language. After all, the founding fathers of America were considering making German the political language in America.
... (English) ... originated in England, but its worldwide importance is due primarily to America.
WTF?! ?????
Even if this wasn't completely inaccurate, it would be insulting, but you've managed to do both.
I'm not really sure the "[British]" addition was really necessary for the English dictionary. After all, there's a reason the language is called English.
"English English Dictionary" might have looked a bit funny
I wonder if all these new dictionaries apple has licensed means iOS will get a dictionary app soon?
And yes, it originated in England, but its worldwide importance is due primarily to America.
Someone missed their History classes it seems...
Sorry, I'm a "jerk" and a "troll" for simply pointing out a redundant word? I apologise for being a little fed up of England taking second place to America with regards to her language... and I'm Scottish.
I think the issue is to distinguish between colour and color. No hidden agenda here...
Lastly, double clicking with three fingers on a selected word in any standard app now brings up the inline dictionary, which formerly required selecting "Look Up In Dictionary" from the contextual menu. A preference setting within Dictionary selects whether the contextual menu command will open the inline mini-dictionary panel or to launch the full Dictionary app.
[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]
Inline dictionary exists today, just not with a mouse gesture.
WTF?! ?????
Even if this wasn't completely inaccurate, it would be insulting, but you've managed to do both.
The US is a lot bigger but UK has all the best nerds.
And yes, it originated in England, but its worldwide importance is due primarily to America.
If you are a writer or editor though, and your employer says you must use a specific variation, the dictionary certainly helps.
I wish America would just drop it and merge with the rest of the world. Like with the metric system they are compelled to be different just for the sake of doing so. Thanks to growing up in the US I have to mentally recalculate measurements when I walk outside, just to make it relative to feet, inches, gallons, etc.
It doesn't help that I am horrible at math, which I would like to also attribute to being born in America -- though that's a stretch.
Lastly, double clicking with three fingers on a selected word in any standard app now brings up the inline dictionary, which formerly required selecting "Look Up In Dictionary" from the contextual menu.
Actually, you can activate the inline dictionary by hitting command+control+d. Easy after you've done it a few times.
Anyone with exposure to both international/British English and American English could do themselves a favor by garnering a basic understanding of the differences. Even trolls could benefit: I've lost count of how many times some jerk has mocked another in a form for their spelling when the 'spelling errors' were just a different standard of English.
my favorite translator is http://septicscompanion.com/
Sorry, I'm a "jerk" and a "troll" for simply pointing out a redundant word? I apologise for being a little fed up of England taking second place to America with regards to her language... and I'm Scottish.
phew. for a minute there i thought you were going to say Welsh.