Which dictionary is the best one for an unfamiliar word have found in a reading passage?

There's no single "best" dictionary for every unfamiliar word. It depends on what you need! Here's a breakdown of different options and when they might be most helpful:

For General Definitions & Quick Lookups:

* Online Dictionaries:

* Merriam-Webster: Known for clear and comprehensive definitions, example sentences, and audio pronunciations. [https://www.merriam-webster.com/](https://www.merriam-webster.com/)

* Oxford English Dictionary (OED): The ultimate authority on the English language, with historical context and etymology. [https://www.oed.com/](https://www.oed.com/) (Note: The OED is subscription-based)

* Dictionary.com: A great resource for both American and British English definitions, with synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences. [https://www.dictionary.com/](https://www.dictionary.com/)

* Google Dictionary: Very convenient for quick lookups directly within Google Search. [https://www.google.com/search?q=define:word](https://www.google.com/search?q=define:word)

For In-Depth Exploration:

* Printed Dictionaries:

* American Heritage Dictionary: Focuses on American English, with helpful usage notes and etymological information.

* Random House Unabridged Dictionary: A comprehensive, authoritative reference with detailed definitions and etymologies.

For Specific Needs:

* Specialized Dictionaries:

* Medical Dictionaries: For medical terms.

* Legal Dictionaries: For legal terminology.

* Technical Dictionaries: For terms specific to a particular field (e.g., engineering, computer science).

Additional Tips:

* Consider your audience: Are you writing for a general audience or a specialized group?

* Look for context: The surrounding text can often provide clues about the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

* Use multiple resources: Compare definitions from different dictionaries to get a fuller understanding.

Ultimately, the best dictionary for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Experiment with different resources to find what works best for you!