Use This Trick to Quickly Look Up Words on Mac (2023)

Did you use this trick to quickly look up words on mac? Are you tired of constantly switching back and forth between your internet browser and word processor to look up unfamiliar words? Fortunately, if you own a Mac, there’s a simple trick you can use to quickly look up words on mac without ever leaving your document. In this article, we’ll show you how to use this trick and how it can save you time and effort in your daily workflow.

Table of Contents

1 What is the Look Up Feature on Mac?
2 How to Use the Look Up Feature on Mac
- 2.1 Keyboard Shortcut
- 2.2 Right-Clicking
3 Customizing the Look-Up Feature
4 Why Use the Look Up Feature on Mac?
5 Conclusion
6 FAQs

What is the Look Up Feature on Mac?

The Look Up feature on Mac is a built-in tool that allows you to quickly search for the definition of a word without leaving your current document or application. It’s accessible through a simple keyboard shortcut or by highlighting a word and right-clicking on it. The Look Up feature sources its definitions from the built-in Apple Dictionary, thesaurus, and Wikipedia, making it an all-in-one tool for quick research.

How to Use the Look Up Feature on Mac

Using the Look Up feature on Mac is incredibly easy. There are two main ways to access it: through the keyboard shortcut or by right-clicking on a highlighted word.

Keyboard Shortcut

To use the keyboard shortcut, simply hover your cursor over a word you want to look up, then press and hold the Control key. While holding the Control key, click on the word with your mouse or trackpad. A small window will appear with the word’s definition, synonyms, and even Wikipedia information.

Right-Clicking

To use the right-click method, highlight the word you want to look up, right-click on it, and select “Look Up” from the context menu that appears. The same window with the word’s definition, synonyms, and Wikipedia information will appear.

Customizing the Look-Up Feature

The Look Up feature on Mac is customizable to suit your needs. You can add or remove dictionaries or reference sources, change the font size and style of the pop-up window, and even customize the keyboard shortcut to something more convenient for you.

Adding or Removing Dictionaries

To add or remove dictionaries, open the Dictionary app on your Mac (it should be in your Applications folder), then select Preferences from the menu bar. From here, you can select which dictionaries or reference sources you want to include in the Look Up feature.

Changing the Font Size and Style

To change the font size and style of the Look Up pop-up window, open System Preferences, then click on Accessibility. From here, select “Display” from the left-hand menu and adjust the font size and style to your liking.

Customizing the Keyboard Shortcut

To customize the keyboard shortcut, open System Preferences, then click on Keyboard. From here, select “Shortcuts” from the top menu, then “App Shortcuts” from the left-hand menu. Click the plus sign to add a new shortcut, select “All Applications” for the application, type “Look Up” for the menu title, and enter your preferred keyboard shortcut.

Why Use the Look Up Feature on Mac?

The Look Up feature on Mac is a powerful tool that can save you time and effort in your daily workflow. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using it:

Convenience

By allowing you to Quickly Look Up Words on Mac definitions without leaving your document or application, the Look Up feature saves you time and effort. You no longer have to switch back and forth between windows or browsers to research unfamiliar words.

Accuracy

The Look Up feature sources its definitions from a variety of dictionaries and reference sources, including Apple Dictionary, thesaurus, and Wikipedia. This ensures that you’re getting accurate and reliable information.

Learning

Using the Quickly Look Up Words on Mac can also be a great learning tool. By looking up definitions for unfamiliar words, you can expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of complex concepts.

Multitasking

The Look Up feature also allows you to multitask more efficiently. Instead of interrupting your workflow to research a word, you can simply use the Look Up feature and continue working.

Conclusion

The Quickly Look Up Words on Mac is a powerful tool that can save you time and effort in your daily workflow. By allowing you to quickly look up definitions without leaving your document or application, it’s a convenient, accurate, and learning-friendly resource. With a few customizations, you can make it even more personalized and efficient. So, next time you come across an unfamiliar word, remember to try out the Look Up feature on your Mac.

Another advantage of the Quickly Look Up Words on Mac is its learning-friendly design and functionality. By providing not just definitions, but also examples, usage notes, and related terms, the Look Up feature helps you deepen your understanding and mastery of the English language. You can also use the Quickly Look Up Words on Mac to explore the etymology, history, and cultural context of words and phrases, and thus broaden your horizons and appreciation of diverse cultures and perspectives. Furthermore, the Look Up feature can help you overcome language barriers, as it provides translations and other language tools for different languages.

In addition, the Look Up feature can enhance your multitasking skills and efficiency. Instead of switching between different applications or windows to research a word, you can simply use the Look Up feature and continue working. This not only saves you time and effort, but also helps you maintain your concentration and momentum. Moreover, the Look Up feature can help you become more organized and productive, as it allows you to create and save your own lists of words and phrases, and thus keep track of your learning and writing goals.