Oxford Dictionaries API 2017 competition: the winners
We asked our developers to use one or more of the languages in the Oxford Dictionaries API to create a game, chatbot, web service, language-learning resource, or communication tool, and we were amazed at the variety of entries we received and the innovative ways in which the APIs were used. So, without further ado, we are pleased to announce the winners of this year's competition...
First place: Word Booster
Created by developer Andrew Kim, Word Booster allows users to generate a word list and vocabulary quiz from almost any web page. Andrew originally came up with the idea when he was looking for a way to improve his English vocabulary; traditional learners’ wordlists didn’t show words in use, and putting resources together manually was very time-consuming. Word Booster overcomes both these hurdles, and our judges were hugely impressed with the versatility and potential uses of this project.
The runners up
Best communications tool: Sex eLimu
A truly innovative and valuable entry, we were hugely impressed with this fantastic app created by Hudson Asiema. Sex eLimu enables Kenyan Sign Language users to search for specific Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) definitions and information through video content.
Most original idea: Synonyms Ninja
This project, from developer Jason Sears, wowed our language-loving judges. Taking two opposing words, users must click on the synonyms of one word to find a route to its antonym. We loved the way this demonstrates the surprising relationships between words.
Best language-learning app: WITMO
A Facebook chatbot which allows users to discover the definitions, synonyms and antonyms, and example sentences of words, WITMO, created by developer Sagar Sodah, also offers speedy translations into Spanish, Romanian or Malay.
Best game: Covert Word
A real work-out for the brain, we loved this game from developer Lawrence, founder of Boneware. The objective is to guess a secret word. Every time you submit a guess, the game will tell you how many correct letters there are in the correct positions. We can't wait for the publication!