Help: Using TheFreeDictionary
TheFreeDictionary's content is divided into tabs. Each tab represents search results from a different dictionary or encyclopedia. You can see the results of your search in different dictionaries by switching between the tabs.
Dictionary/Thesaurus
The Dictionary/Thesaurus tab is the default tab. When you begin a search on TheFreeDictionary's homepage, you will see results from the Dictionary/Thesaurus.
Page Tools
You can cite the results in a research paper, add a link to the results in a web document, or email the results to yourself or to a friend. You can also use this section to leave us feedback.
Cite/Link
This shows you how to cite an article in the proper MLA, APA, and Chicago formats. This tool is tab-aware, meaning it knows which tab you are citing information from; in the Dictionary/Thesaurus tab, the cite option shows the citation format for both the dictionary and thesaurus sections. The link option gives both the page URL and the HTML link information, which helps webmasters link to our information from their sites.
Enables you to email anyone who may be interested in the information.
Feedback
Let us know exactly what you think about TheFreeDictionary.com. We invite you to send us suggestions, questions, praise, and complaints, so that we can make your next visit to the site even better!
Base Definition
When you search for a word using the Dictionary/Thesaurus tab, you will access the word's definition, pronunciation, phonetic spelling, part(s) of speech, and etymology.
Thesaurus
The Thesaurus, located below the dictionary definition in the main tab, lists the word's synonyms, related words, and antonyms.
Mentioned In
A unique feature that enables you to see what other words feature your search word in their definition. For example, if you search for the word "car," each listing in the “Mentioned in” section will include the word "car" in its definition or article.
References in Classic Literature
This section lists any available examples of how your word or phrase is used in great works of classic literature. You can click on “view in context” to access the full text of the relevant work in TheFreeLibrary.
Current Tab Browser
This browser shows you an alphabetical listing of the articles and entries that surround your search item in a particular dictionary or encyclopedia.
Full Browser
This browser shows you an alphabetical listing of the articles and entries that surround your search item in the entire FreeDictionary.
Other Tabs
In addition to the Dictionary/Thesaurus tab, TheFreeDictionary.com offers content from various sources, including subject-specific dictionaries as well as several encyclopedias. The different definitions and articles can be accessed by clicking on tabs on the top of the page.
The active tab is highlighted. The white tabs indicate that more information can be found under these tabs. The gray tabs indicate that there is no information under these tabs regarding the current word, although you can still click on those tabs to do a new search in that dictionary.
Other Features
TheFreeDictionary offers its users several unique features. There is no need to download these features, as they work automatically with your browser whenever you are on TheFreeDictionary.com
Define the word by single click
When you click any word on the site, you will be instantly taken to the Dictionary/Thesaurus tab and shown that word's definition. This feature is especially useful when you are reading an encyclopedia entry on a difficult subject, and you need an easy way to quickly look up words used in the article.
Auto-Suggest
If you misspell a word while searching, the auto-suggest tool will help you find what are looking for.