Abstract: Systems and methods are described for automatically presenting at least one definition in context, for a dictionary entry, based a contextual analysis of the grammatical unit, such as the sentence, the clause, or the phrase, in which the dictionary entry is embedded. The dictionary entry may be single word, for example, “consideration,” or a phrase, such as “due to.” A definition in context will generally include a definition in accordance with the function of the word in the grammatical unit, and may further include a preferred definition from among several options for the same function, based on contextual clues within the grammatical unit. Similarly, a translation in context may be presented. These may be performed by a supercomputer, a personal computer, a laptop, a palmtop, a stand-alone hand-held, computerized scanning apparatus, a stand-alone hand-held, computerized photographing apparatus, a mobile phone, a blackberry, and the like. They may be perfumed locally, or over the web.