An English dictionary that speaks learner
SnapDic gives the meaning you most likely need first, in plain English, with an example and the word's level from A1 to C2. Over 127,000 words are built in; trusted online sources fill the gaps.
Mac app version 1.0.1 · macOS 14 or later · Apple Silicon and Intel. Also free on the Chrome Web Store.
Big enough to be reliable, simple enough to learn from
Clear answers, with their source
Every answer says where it came from, so you always know how far to trust it.
Hover a word
ubiquitous
SAT · IELTS word · adjective · ≈C1
seeming to be everywhere at the same time
e.g. Smartphones are now ubiquitous.
via SnapDic exam vocabulary
Word forms explained
notarized
past tense of notarize · ≈C2
authenticate as a notary
e.g. We had to have the signature notarized.
via Open English WordNet
Irregular forms too
children
plural of child · ≈A1
a young person of either sex
e.g. She writes books for children.
via Open English WordNet
Small words, plain English
ought
used to say what is right or sensible to do; similar to “should”
e.g. You ought to apologise.
via SnapDic
mitigate
SAT · IELTS word · verb · ≈C1
to make something bad less harmful or serious
e.g. Trees can mitigate the effects of pollution.
via SnapDic exam vocabulary · synonyms: alleviate, reduce, lessen
Tech words
API
Tech term
A defined way for programs to talk to each other, such as a web service your app sends requests to.
via SnapDic tech glossary
Know how advanced a word is
Each word shows an estimated CEFR-style level, from ≈A1 (first words) to ≈C2 (rare words). Levels are worked out from how often a word appears in real English, so treat them as a guide: if a word is ≈A2, it's worth learning now; if it's ≈C2, you may only need to recognise it.
The right meaning, not just the first one
- Most common meaning first. Set means “put something somewhere” before it means a mathematical set.
- Word forms explained. notarized shows “past tense of notarize”; children shows “plural of child” — then the meaning.
- Everyday small words. ought, gonna and whom get simple learner definitions instead of grammar jargon.
- Names and places. A word that is a name is explained from Wikipedia, so a language or town name never leaves you guessing.
- Exam words flagged. 1,037 SAT and IELTS words carry an “SAT · IELTS word” tag, an example and synonyms.
- Honest when unsure. If no source has an answer, SnapDic says so instead of inventing one.
One lookup, checked in a careful order
SnapDic tries the most learner-friendly source first and only goes online when it has to.
| Order | Source | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SnapDic idioms & exam words | Phrases, phrasal verbs, slang, 1,037 SAT and IELTS words |
| 2 | SnapDic learner definitions | Plain-English meanings for 3,000+ key words and everyday small words (ought, gonna, whom) |
| 3 | Legal and tech glossaries | 1,300+ legal terms (Public.Law) and 1,430 tech terms written by SnapDic |
| 4 | Built-in dictionary | 127,000+ words and 185,000+ meanings from Open English WordNet, with word forms and levels |
| 5 | Online sources | Wiktionary, Wikipedia, Wikidata and the Free Dictionary API — only for words the built-in data doesn't cover |
A dictionary that keeps you reading
Download SnapDic for Mac free. Also free for Chrome.
Frequently asked questions
How many words does SnapDic know?
Over 127,000 English words and more than 185,000 meanings are built in, plus 1,020 idioms and phrasal verbs, 1,037 SAT and IELTS words, 1,300+ legal terms and 1,430 tech terms. Rarer words are looked up online.
What does ≈B2 mean next to a word?
It's the word's estimated level on the CEFR scale used by English courses and exams, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). SnapDic estimates it from how common the word is in real English.
Is it British or American English?
Both. Definitions cover international English, and idioms note whether they are mostly US, mostly UK or used everywhere.
Where do the definitions come from?
From SnapDic's own learner glossaries, Open English WordNet (an open dictionary based on Princeton WordNet), Public.Law legal glossaries and, for words not built in, Wiktionary, Wikipedia, Wikidata and the Free Dictionary API. Each answer names its source.
Does it translate into my language?
Not yet. SnapDic explains English in simple English, which is how most teachers recommend building vocabulary.
Can I look up a word without hovering?
Yes. In the Mac app choose Look Up a Word… from the menu-bar icon; in the panel you can also highlight a word inside a definition.