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Get useful word details in a DM

Notis can use Dictionary api to fetch the definition and available phonetic information for a word named in a direct message.

Trigger

Direct Message Received

Triggered when a new direct message (DM) is sent to a user in Slack. Catches all DMs across all DM channels.

Action

Get Word Definition V2

Tool to retrieve definitions, phonetics, origin, and meanings of a given word using freedictionaryapi v2. use when you need comprehensive lexical data for a specific word.

Why this helps

Switching away to verify a word can make a short private exchange feel harder to finish than it needs to be.

  • Keep a word lookup in the same private exchange.
  • Include phonetic details when the dictionary entry provides them.
  • Avoid a separate manual search.

Setup

Build it in a few focused steps.

  • 1Connect Slack and Dictionary api to Notis once in the portal.
  • 2Create an automation with one prompt to look up a word explicitly named in a DM and return its definition and available phonetic details in that DM.
  • 3Select Direct Message Received as the trigger.
  • 4Choose a channel for run reports and test with one DM asking about a named word.

Questions about this workflow

Will every lookup include phonetic information?

Only when the Dictionary api result includes it; instruct Notis not to invent missing pronunciation details.

Does this respond in channels too?

No. The selected trigger is Direct Message Received.

When this happens · Trigger

Do this · Action

Supported Triggers and Actions

Notis builds workflows that link Slack to Dictionary api. A trigger fires from one place; an action lands in another.

Slack triggers

Dictionary api actions

Recurring trigger

Notis starts this workflow on a schedule, such as daily, weekly, or during business hours.

TriggerScheduled

Get Word Definition V2

Tool to retrieve definitions, phonetics, origin, and meanings of a given word using freedictionaryapi v2. use when you need comprehensive lexical data for a specific word.

ActionInstant

Webhook trigger

Notis starts this workflow when an external tool or custom backend sends an HTTP request.

TriggerInstant

New Channel Created Trigger

Triggered when a new channel is created in Slack.

TriggerInstant

Channel Message Received

Triggered when a message is posted in a Slack channel (public, private, or multi-party IM). Does NOT match direct messages.

TriggerInstant

Direct Message Received

Triggered when a new direct message (DM) is sent to a user in Slack. Catches all DMs across all DM channels.

TriggerInstant

Message Reaction Added

Triggered when a reaction is added to a message in Slack. Supports optional filtering by channel and emoji name.

TriggerInstant

Message Reaction Removed

Triggered when a reaction is removed from a message in Slack. Supports optional filtering by channel and emoji name.

TriggerInstant

Reaction Added Trigger

DEPRECATED: use `SLACK_MESSAGE_REACTION_ADDED` instead. Triggered when a reaction is added to a message in Slack.

TriggerInstant

Connect any two apps with Notis in the middle.

Slack and Dictionary api, or any other combination from 1,000+ integrations.

When this happens · Trigger

Do this · Action

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No card. Works with personal or business Dictionary api.