lookup_skill

Overview

This skill explains the meaning of selected text using its surrounding context. It identifies unclear words, phrases, idioms, or cultural references and delivers concise, practical definitions with usage notes and relevant cultural background. The goal is quick clarity so readers can act on or communicate the selection accurately.

How this skill works

The skill inspects the selected text and nearby sentences to determine which elements are ambiguous or likely to confuse the reader. It isolates specific words, phrases, or the whole selection, then provides short, focused explanations that include meaning, typical usage, and any relevant cultural or historical context. When necessary, it notes register, connotation, and alternatives to clarify intent.

When to use it

• When a single word or phrase in a document feels unclear or out of place
• To decode idioms, slang, or colloquialisms in cross-cultural communication
• When a sentence’s overall meaning is ambiguous and needs parsing
• To prepare clearer translations or rewrite content for different audiences
• During editing or proofreading to confirm tone and register

Best practices

• Provide the smallest focused explanation that resolves the confusion
• Always use surrounding sentences to infer intended meaning before defining
• Mention register (formal/informal), connotation (positive/negative/neutral), and common alternatives
• Include brief cultural or historical context only when it changes interpretation
• Avoid long etymologies unless origin directly affects current meaning

Example use cases

• Explaining a regional idiom in a marketing copy so it won’t offend international audiences
• Clarifying technical shorthand or jargon inside team documentation
• Decoding a celebrity quote with cultural references for a news summary
• Helping translators choose the right target-language equivalent by noting register
• Resolving ambiguous phrasing in legal or policy text during a review