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Look Up Words

Dictionary, translation, and highlight menu for instant word definitions and language support.

What’s in This Section

Look Up Words provides instant access to definitions and translations. Select any word or phrase and get immediate help understanding it — no copy-pasting to other sites.

Features: Dictionary Lookup, Translation, Highlight Menu

Dictionary Lookup

What It Does

Provides instant definitions for any selected word. Shows pronunciation, part of speech, multiple meanings, and example sentences.

How to Enable

Dictionary is enabled by default. Select any word and use the shortcut or highlight menu.

Using Dictionary Lookup

Method 1 — Keyboard shortcut:

  1. Select a word
  2. Press Alt+Shift+D
  3. Definition appears in a popup

Method 2 — Highlight menu:

  1. Select a word
  2. Click Dictionary icon in the highlight menu
  3. Definition appears

What You’ll See

  • Word — The selected term
  • Pronunciation — Phonetic spelling
  • Part of speech — Noun, verb, adjective, etc.
  • Definitions — Multiple meanings if applicable
  • Examples — Sentences showing usage

Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutAction
Alt+Shift+DLook up selected word
EscapeClose dictionary popup
TabNavigate popup elements

Tips

  • Works on single words or short phrases
  • Automatically detects language
  • No API key required — uses free dictionary services

Translation

What It Does

Translates selected text into 35+ languages. Works with words, sentences, or entire paragraphs.

How to Enable

Translation is enabled by default. Select text and use the highlight menu or shortcut.

Using Translation

  1. Select the text you want to translate
  2. Press Alt+T or click Translate in the highlight menu
  3. Choose your target language (or use your default)
  4. View translation in the popup

Supported Languages

Translation supports 35+ languages including:

Common LanguagesAdditional Languages
SpanishArabic
FrenchChinese (Simplified/Traditional)
GermanHindi
ItalianJapanese
PortugueseKorean
RussianVietnamese

Full list available in translation settings.

Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutAction
Alt+TTranslate selected text
EscapeClose translation popup
Ctrl+CCopy translation

Settings

  • Default target language — Set your preferred language
  • Auto-detect source — Usually automatic
  • Show original — Toggle display of source text

Tips

  • Works on entire paragraphs, not just single words
  • No API key required — uses zero-barrier translation services
  • Translation quality varies by language pair

Highlight Menu

What It Does

A floating toolbar that appears when you select text. Provides quick access to Dictionary, Translation, TTS, Notes, and more.

How to Enable

  1. Click the AssisT icon
  2. Expand Look Up Words section
  3. Toggle Highlight Menu ON

Using the Highlight Menu

  1. Select any text on a page
  2. The highlight menu appears near your selection
  3. Click any icon to use that feature
IconFeatureDescription
SpeakerTTSRead selected text aloud
BookDictionaryLook up word definition
GlobeTranslationTranslate selected text
MarkerHighlightHighlight the selection
NoteAnnotationAdd a note to selection

Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutAction
Ctrl+Shift+HShow/hide highlight menu

Customization

In Settings, you can:

  • Choose which icons appear in the menu
  • Change menu position (above/below selection)
  • Adjust menu appearance delay

For Educators & Parents

Why Look Up Words Matters

For English language learners:

  • Instant definitions without leaving the page
  • Translation maintains reading flow
  • Builds vocabulary in context

For students with reading difficulties:

  • Quick access to word meanings
  • No need to navigate away from assignments
  • Reduces frustration with unfamiliar vocabulary

For research and study:

  • Quick fact-checking
  • Efficient note-taking with annotations
  • No context-switching to other tabs

Classroom Tips

  1. Set default translation language based on student’s native language
  2. Encourage dictionary use for vocabulary building
  3. Combine with TTS — look up word, then hear pronunciation
  4. Use highlight feature to mark important terms for review

Privacy Note

Dictionary and Translation use free, no-authentication APIs. Text is sent to these services for lookup but is not stored or tracked. No personal data is collected.

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