Strategy: Dictionary as part of Mac OS
6 Keywords: Dictionary, Complex Words, Dyslexia, Mac, Merriam Webster, Learning Difficulties
"Actually, having reloaded Merriam-Webster, it’s not too bad. Maybe it was me not putting in my shortcuts properly when I first got my Mac. The load time is slightly longer but not by much although I find the Mac’s own programme, Dictionary, lays out the information a bit better for a quick search as it includes a definition and thesaurus together in the same window. It also gives UK English definitions rather than just saying it is UK and allowing you to link to the US definition."
The dictionary comparison video (MP4 4.63MB download) shows the Mac New Oxford American Dictionary first with the word 'colour' and the British listing which is well spaced with numbers compared to the Merriam Webster view which goes directly to the US spelling of 'color' and the meanings appear cramped.
In Mac OS X Tiger, right click on a word, and the "Look up in Dictionary" menu will open the Dictionary and present the word's listing. Control+Apple+D can also be used to look up an entry for a selected word. Mac OS Leopard also has a Wikipedia tab. This clip and tip come from Apple-Pro-Tips
Quote
"When I am working on-line I have found that I need to use dictionaries for complex words, for both the meaning and the spelling. I was given a Merriam Webster CD dictionary when I had a Disabled Students Allowance assessment. It can be slow and will not allow me to scroll down when I use the glide pad on my laptop."
- Andy JTip
If you are running Mac OS X Leopard try the Dictionary and you will find a tab providing direct access to Wikipedia for the word you have highlighted!
