Whole-System Vocabulary Lookup on Mac
Whole-system vocabulary lookup is about staying in the current reading context while still getting a clear meaning, translation, or OCR result. Dictionary supports that workflow through hover, selected text, macOS Services, shortcuts, and OCR for text that cannot be selected.
Choose the Lookup Action
- Use hover when you need a quick meaning check.
- Use selected text for lookup, translation, or rewrite.
- Use macOS Services when the current app exposes selected text there.
- Use OCR when the text is inside an image, video frame, screenshot, or protected PDF.
Language Learning Boundary
Dictionary turns temporary lookups into later learning material. Today’s lookups can become stories, and lookup history, words, and stories can be reviewed with a forgetting-curve schedule. The iOS app can continue history and due review items synced from Mac.
FAQ
Is Dictionary a language learning app?
Yes. Dictionary supports lookup, translation, OCR, lookup history, story generation, and forgetting-curve review, with Mac and iOS sync for history and due review items.
Can I look up text that cannot be selected?
Use OCR screenshot translation when the text is visible but cannot be selected.
Does whole-system lookup mean every app is supported?
The best lookup action depends on the app and text source: hover, selected text, Services, shortcut, or OCR.
Related Guides
FAQ
Is Dictionary a language learning app?
Yes. Dictionary supports lookup, translation, OCR, lookup history, story generation, and forgetting-curve review, with Mac and iOS sync for history and due review items.
Can I look up text that cannot be selected?
Use OCR screenshot translation when the text is visible but cannot be selected.
Does whole-system lookup mean every app is supported?
The best lookup action depends on the app and text source: hover, selected text, Services, shortcut, or OCR.