Quick Lookup at the Click of a Mouse

Have you ever been surfing the web and thought, “Gee, I have no clue what that is, I wish I could instantly look that up without having to touch my keyboard”?. Actually, you can. Just right click (or secondary click, whatever you like to call it) the word in question and select “Look up in Dictionary” (which also has a Wikipedia tab for those not in the know), “Search in Google” or if the need arises, “Search in Spotlight”.

This works with any application which contains selectable text, not just in web browsers. It is also quite useful when typing up a paper because you can look up synonyms to add variety to you writing in the thesaurus tab of Dictionary. When using Pages, the search options are all under the “Writing Tools” sub menu.

Similar Posts:

• Look Up Apple Terminology in Leopard
• Add Functionality to iPhone/iTouch Safari
• Safari’s Develop Menu
• Paper Tape in Calculator
• Easier Access to Quick Dictionary Lookup

I Like This Tip!

Written by Michael Zhao on February 26, 2008 at 9:00 am - Quick Lookup at the Click of a Mouse has 5 comments - Categorized in Easy Tips, Safari Tips, keyboard shortcuts

5 Responses to “Quick Lookup at the Click of a Mouse”

1. 
   iCrater
   Mr. Zhao, I'm not in the know - is the Wikipedia tab available in 10.4.11? or is it a Leopard feature? How is it accessed? Would like to be in the "Wikiknow". Thanks February 26th, 2008 at 11:43 am
   
   
2. 
   Michael Zhao
   Haha, Mr. Zhao, I like the sound of that. It's a leopard feature as far as I know. The new Dictionary in Leopard doesn't get enough credit. But seriously, iCrater, what's holding you back from Leopard?
   http://www.mactips.org/archives/2008/02/02/installing-leopard-with-an-external-hard-disk/
   MacTips does not endorse the use of BitTorrent to obtain disk images... February 26th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
   
   
3. 
   iCrater
   perhaps Cmdr. Zhao? sorry to be missing out on the new Dictionary
   features.... ahh , that's the way of the world. being the inverse of
   iDome, I guess I'm just not an early adopter and the level of my need doesn't necessitate Leopard quite yet. maybe by Mr. Jobs next birthday? I guess you could say I like my kitties a little more mature,
   no disclaimer needed. February 26th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
   
   
4. 
   Joyce
   I have Leopard, but this isn't working for me. When I right click on a highlighted word (for example in the browser) the only options that come up are "copy," "select all," "search google for 'X'," and "view page source". Do I have to enable something or download something extra to get the dictionary and wikipedia options? February 28th, 2008 at 6:51 am
   
   
5. 
   Michael Zhao
   Joyce, if you could email me a screenshot (shift command 4), I might be able to help you, but I'm not quite sure what's going on to tell you the truth
   m.h.zhao(at)gmail(dot)com February 28th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
   
   

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