You cannot directly change the official definition of a word as provided by Google's search engine or its integrated dictionary tools. Google sources its definitions from reputable, established dictionaries and linguistic databases. However, you can easily look up and update which word's definition is displayed when using Google's various dictionary features.
Understanding Google's Definition Sources
Google's dictionary features, found in Google Search, Google Docs, and other products, draw from comprehensive and authoritative sources. These are curated by lexicographers and linguistic experts, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Therefore, individual users do not have the ability to alter these foundational definitions.
How to Look Up Definitions on Google
Accessing definitions for words is straightforward across various Google platforms.
Using Google Search
The quickest way to get a definition is directly through a Google search:
- Search for "define [word]": For example, search for
define ubiquitous. - Search for "[word] definition": Alternatively,
ubiquitous definition.
Google will typically display a dictionary box at the top of the search results, including the definition, pronunciation, origin, and sometimes translation options.
Using Google Docs Dictionary Tool
Google Docs provides a convenient built-in dictionary tool that allows you to look up words within your document without leaving the application. This is particularly useful when you want to update the definition displayed for different words you are working with.
Here's how to use it:
- Highlight the word you want to define within your Google Docs document.
- Use the keyboard shortcut
Ctrl + Shift + Y(orCommand + Shift + Yon Mac). - A "Dictionary" sidebar will appear on the right side of your document, presenting the definition for the highlighted word.
Updating Which Word's Definition Is Displayed
The question of "changing the definition of a word" often refers to wanting to see the definition for a different word. Google Docs makes this seamless. If you have the dictionary sidebar open and then highlight a new word, you can simply use the Ctrl + Shift + Y shortcut again. The tool will update to give you the definition for that newly selected word, replacing the previous one.
This functionality allows for efficient word exploration as you write or read:
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| 1. Highlight "ephemeral" | The Dictionary sidebar displays the definition for ephemeral. |
| 2. Highlight "transient" | The Dictionary sidebar updates to display the definition for transient. |
| 3. Highlight "meticulous" | The Dictionary sidebar updates again to display the definition for meticulous. |
This process lets you quickly retrieve and switch between definitions for various words in your document, effectively "changing" which definition is currently shown to you.
Common Misconceptions
When discussing changing word definitions on Google, it's helpful to clarify common misunderstandings:
Changing Universal Definitions
It is not possible for individual users to modify the standard, universal definitions that Google provides from its dictionary sources. These definitions are rigorously maintained by linguistic experts and published by reputable dictionaries.
Custom Dictionaries in Google Docs
Google Docs does allow you to add words to a custom dictionary for spell-checking purposes. This feature is useful for adding proper nouns, specialized jargon, or unique spellings that the default dictionary might flag as incorrect. However, adding a word to a custom dictionary does not alter its official definition or how Google defines it in its core dictionary services; it merely tells the spell checker to recognize it as a valid word.
