Definitions and definition syntax

A lexical item's definition is composed of 1 or more definition entries. Each definition entry has its own distinct meaning similar to how a dictionary may list several meanings for a given word. Entries are distinguished from one another by using a semicolon to separate them. Contained within each definition entry is 1 or more minor definitions, which are separated using a comma. There is little or no distinction between minor definitions within the same entry. Essentially, they are synonyms. As an example, let's look at the Spanish noun perjuicio. Its definition in a Spanish/English lexicon may look like this:

          damage, harm; financial loss

Notice that there are two definition entries here: damage and harm makes up one entry while financial loss is the other. The words damage and harm are synonyms, which is why they belong together. Financial loss has a distinct meaning all its own so makes up a separate entry. Depending on the context, perjuicio can have either of these two meanings.

Identifying an item's definition entries is an essential step in mastering its usage. Moreover, when creating a definition or multiple-choice test you have the option of using entire definitions or single entries to construct test questions. These two factors make the use of definition entries a virtual requirement when learning most languages.

On the other hand, the use of minor definitions is almost entirely a matter of individual preference. The only time the program will parse out minor definitions is when the native language view is selected. In this case, all minor definitions are extracted from lexical items and shown in the lexical item list. Sometimes, by providing more minor definitions you can locate the lexical item you're looking for more quickly. But in the end it is your choice whether to use them.

Definition entries can also contain comments and regions. Comments are enclosed by parentheses and regions are enclosed by curly brackets. You can attach regions to an entry by typing the region abbreviation within brackets, but usually it's easier to use the Region dialog.