bilingual dictionary
Noun: A reference work that lists words and phrases in one language alongside their translations or equivalents in another language. It is designed to help users understand, translate, or learn vocabulary between two specific languages.
A bilingual dictionary is used for translation, language learning, and comprehension. Users look up a word in a source language (e.g., English) to find its meaning, translation, or equivalent in a target language (e.g., Spanish). Entries typically include the headword, part of speech, translation, and sometimes example phrases.
- She used a bilingual dictionary to translate the technical manual from German into English.
- For my French homework, I always keep an English-French bilingual dictionary on my desk.
- Modern bilingual dictionaries often include pronunciation guides and cultural notes.
- Pedagogical vs. General Use: Some bilingual dictionaries are designed specifically for language learners, with simplified definitions and usage notes, while others are comprehensive works for professional translators.
- Directionality: A bilingual dictionary can be unidirectional (e.g., only from Language A to Language B) or bidirectional (containing two sections for looking up words in either language).
- Monolingual Dictionary: A dictionary that defines words using explanations and examples in the same language.
- Learner's Dictionary: A monolingual dictionary designed specifically for non-native speakers, often with simple definitions and examples.
- Thesaurus: A reference work that lists words grouped together according to similarity of meaning (synonyms and sometimes antonyms).
- Translation dictionary
- Two-language dictionary
The term specifically refers to a work covering two languages. Dictionaries covering more than two languages are called "multilingual dictionaries" or "polyglot dictionaries." The core function is providing cross-linguistic equivalents, not in-depth definitions in a single language.
- a dictionary giving equivalent words in two languages