Tell me more ×
Unix & Linux Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for users of Linux, FreeBSD and other Un*x-like operating systems.. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 7 down vote favorite
2

Can anyone suggest a good "Dictionary" software in Linux. I have artha, but I am actually expecting a better one.

Ok here are things which i look out for in a dictionary:

  • Good database

  • Word pronounciation (This is not available in Artha.)

share|improve this question
1  
You might consider adding a list of what what you are looking for out of such software. – Steven D Nov 13 '10 at 19:36
@Steven D: Edited – Chandrasekhar Nov 13 '10 at 20:03
Pronunciation is going to be a problem, since I wouldn’t ever use anything that didn’t use IPA, and for that, you usually have to pay the Big Bucks, like for the OED. – tchrist Nov 13 '10 at 20:17
Which languages are you interested in? – imz -- Ivan Zakharyaschev Jan 30 '11 at 1:26
In any case, separating the interface and the database would be reasonable for any dictionary software. There are many databases around, usually at least available in the form prepared for dictd, but a quality database in my understanding must be interconvertable between the formats for different interfaces. (If the authors didn't care about conversion, such a database doesn't look well-maintained, and hence doesn't look like a "quality" one.) And there are some interfaces around. – imz -- Ivan Zakharyaschev Jan 30 '11 at 1:32

3 Answers

up vote 3 down vote accepted

Goldendict: http://goldendict.org/

share|improve this answer
up vote 3 down vote

My favorite is the "dict" command. It doesn't pronounce words aloud, but it will give you the written pronunciation. I'd also recommend StarDict, which has a GUI.

share|improve this answer
stardict is nicer when it comes to displaying special characters (pronunciation, Greek etc.), but the databases need to be specially prepared for stardict, the standard dictd databases can't be immediately used. – imz -- Ivan Zakharyaschev Jan 30 '11 at 1:28
Also, stardict does popups and tracks the selected text. – imz -- Ivan Zakharyaschev Jan 30 '11 at 1:55
up vote 1 down vote

As for the database, and in the case you are looking for an English-English dictionary (you haven't stated that explicitly! :( ), I'm quite content with GCIDE (derived from Webster1913; has pronunciation and middle-quality etymologies) and wordnet.

As for the interface, I use these databases installed in my local dictd through emacs-dictionary client. (Formerly, I used to use Stardict to access these databases.)

Packages with the mentioned stuff in the distro I use:

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.