Obsidian Remove Word From Dictionary

7 min read Oct 02, 2024

How to Remove a Word from Your Obsidian Dictionary?

Obsidian is a powerful note-taking application, but it's not without its quirks. One common question users have is how to remove words from their dictionaries. You might find yourself wanting to remove a word that was added by mistake, or you might simply want to customize your dictionary to better suit your needs. Unfortunately, there's no built-in way to directly remove words from the dictionary in Obsidian.

Understanding Obsidian's Dictionary System

Obsidian's dictionary is actually a combination of several sources:

Your own custom dictionary: This is where you can add personal terms or jargon.
Built-in dictionaries: Obsidian comes with a few dictionaries for different languages.
External dictionaries: You can connect to external dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Oxford Dictionaries for more comprehensive definitions.

While you can't delete entries directly from the dictionary, you can use a couple of workarounds to achieve the desired result.

Workaround #1: Overriding with a Custom Dictionary

This method works best for removing words that are part of Obsidian's built-in dictionaries. You can create a custom dictionary and add the same word but with an empty definition. This effectively "hides" the original definition.

Here's how to do it:

Create a new note: Name it something like "Custom Dictionary."
Add the word you want to remove and leave the definition empty. For example:
```
**word**
```
Set the note as a dictionary: In the note's settings (the three dots in the top right corner), enable "Dictionary".
Prioritize your custom dictionary: Go to Settings > Hotkeys > Dictionary and choose "Custom Dictionaries" in the "Dictionary Source" dropdown.

By doing this, Obsidian will prioritize your custom dictionary over the built-in dictionaries, effectively removing the word from the dictionary's results.

Workaround #2: Editing the Dictionary Files

This method requires a bit more caution, as it involves modifying Obsidian's internal files. It's recommended for experienced users comfortable with editing text files.

Locate the dictionary files: They are usually located in your Obsidian vault's plugins folder.
Backup the dictionary files: Make sure you have a backup of the files before you start editing.
Open the relevant dictionary file: You'll need to find the file that contains the word you want to remove.
Delete the entry: Find the word you want to remove and delete the entire line containing it.
Save the file: Save the changes you made.

This method might not be ideal for everyone, as it requires navigating file systems and potentially altering core Obsidian data. However, it provides a more permanent solution than the previous method.

Workaround #3: Using Plugins

While no plugin specifically targets removing words from the dictionary, some plugins can enhance your workflow and potentially make it easier to manage your dictionary entries.

The "Dictionary" Plugin: This plugin allows you to define words in your own custom dictionaries. It can also integrate with external dictionaries. While not directly removing words, it can help you create and maintain your own dictionary and avoid the need to remove words from Obsidian's built-in dictionaries.
The "Word Count" Plugin: This plugin can help you identify words that you might want to remove by showing you the frequency of their use within your vault.

Considerations

Reinstalling Obsidian: If you're still experiencing issues with the dictionary after using any of these methods, you might consider reinstalling Obsidian. This can sometimes resolve unexpected behaviors.
System-Wide Dictionaries: Obsidian's dictionary doesn't interact with system-wide dictionaries. If you're using a system-wide dictionary, you'll need to manage it through your system settings.

Conclusion

Removing words from Obsidian's dictionary can be a bit tricky due to the lack of direct editing features. However, by using the workarounds mentioned above, you can achieve the desired result and customize your dictionary to better suit your note-taking needs. While the process might require some manual work, it gives you more control over your dictionary and ultimately enhances your Obsidian experience. Remember to always backup your data before making significant changes to your Obsidian vault.