Tech Tools to Teach You New Words 1. Helpful websites ■ Dictionary.com

Tech Tools to Teach You New Words
   Technology has given us new tools and ways to learn languages faster and
   easier. Today we are going to talk about a few tools that could help you in learning language, especially new words.
   The first website that can help you is Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com will give you the definition for any word. It also explains usage. Functions include teaching a new word daily, translating words into other languages, and games. It also offers word facts, word trends and quizzes. Dictionary.com has a free app for Apple or Android that provides the same features. You can even work on it when you are not connected to the Internet.
   The second website I will recommend is Vocabulary.com. Named one of Time’s, 50 Best Websites of 2012, Vocabulary.com can help people of all ages learn. Vocabulary.com adjusts the words it teaches you based on words you already know. You can see words in sentences to help you learn how to use them in language. You can compete with others online. The website is free, but its apps are available for a fee for mobile devices.
   And we also have Learner’s Dictionary which has simple definitions to help you understand their meaning. Learner’s Dictionary has useful tools such as Word of the Day, quizzes and the most popular words looked up on the site.
   Then comes to Google Search. If you want to find the meaning of a word quickly and easily, use Google (or your favorite search engine). Type "define [word]" in your web address bar and hit Enter. Search results will show you the definition of the word and give you more information about it.
   Our website — Voice of America Learning English — provides news and information in simple American English. Stories have an audio feature that allows you to hear what you are reading. Other features include quizzes, stories, videos, pod-casts and a Facebook page. Each article includes definitions under the heading "Words in This Story".
   Now let’s see what mobile tools can help you with language learning.
   The first one I guess is Just Ask. You can use your voice to learn a new word. Maybe you heard a new word on TV or from someone speaking to you. Maybe you know how to pronounce a word but don’t know how to spell it. You can ask Siri on your iPhone or Google Now on your Android phone to define words.
   Press and Hold. You can easily look up words on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. A pop-up dictionary shows the definition of words in Safari, iBooks, Messages and other apps. Press and hold a word. A list will appear above the word.
   There are also other tools you may find quite handy. If you use Chrome on your computer you can get the free Google Dictionary Chrome Extension. Just doubleclick on the word. This extension defines words in 13 different languages or you can quickly learn the meaning of words when reading Kindle books. Amazon says that "85 percent of readers look up a word while reading." Just press and hold a word to see a pop-up definition appear.
   So do you use these websites and apps or do you have other favorite ones? Please let us know.