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Wordsmiths require words and their meanings.
Sometimes, those of other languages too.
Thanks to my flash drive accessory, I can literally carry a computer in my pocket.
Just like the hardcover versions, each digital dictionary has its own nuance.
Lingoesis a free dictionary software and a multi-language translator which caters to over 60 languages.
But with my penchant for the portable versions, we will take a look at Portable Lingoes.
Both are essentially two faces of the same software.
Lingoesstarts its life as a 5.3MB download.
And here’s how it looks when you first crank it up with a word.
Wasn’t this just a dictionary and a free language translator?
Principally yes, but there are quite a few, other useful nuggets tucked away inside the program.
Let’s take it feature by feature from here on.
You have access to a lot of renowned and popular dictionary packs which can be installed for free.
The top of the line dictionary downloads includes dictionaries and thesauruses fromLongman, Collins, Merriam-WebsterandMacmillan.
All dictionaries can be managed from a single interface.
So make some space for them on your flash drive.
Thecursor translatorcan be configured from the tweaks.
The English version of the online knowledge bank tops at 257.48 MB of download.
Heavy but worth each MB it gulps up.
The translation service can be selected from a dropdown and the choices are aplenty.
Configure the hotkeys for productivity and you won’t have to halt in your tracks for the translations.
I tried it out with my native tongue and the results were pretty close and understandable.
Speaking Sam
Lingoes uses the default Windows installed Microsoft Sam to voice text.
It also offers real time word pronunciation while selecting or looking up the word.
A how-to on how to build your own voice package is also given.
Extra Nuggets - The Appendices
Unlike the human one, you won’t throw this away.
Many others are downloadable from the website.
To expand the mix, there are a few games also on offer.
After downloading it, I am still playing around with it.
As a dictionary it is a very good alternative to the ever popular WordWeb.
Lingoes offers a lot of expandable options.
Connected to the internet, it becomes a powerful interface for clearing away my wordy cobwebs.
But even without the net, it offers a lot more that belies its freeware tag.
Lingoes (v2.6.2)‘speaks fluently’ with Win 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7 + IE6 or later.
Let us know how do you like the sound of Lingoes.
