11. The method of claim 1 , wherein passing data representing the focused-on item to an information source includes passing the data representing the focused-on item to a dictionary source for obtaining a definition of the focused-on item.
1. A method of providing information associated with a focused-on item in an electronic document, comprising: receiving a first user-initiated selection comprising a focus on an item contained in an electronic document; evaluating a current mode of the electronic document selected from a first mode in which a plurality of editing functions of the electronic document are disabled, and a second mode in which the plurality of editing functions of the electronic document are enabled; automatically initiating a search for information on the focused-on item when the current mode is evaluated as the first mode; receiving a second user-initiated selection for initiating the search for information on the focused-on item when the current mode is evaluated as the second mode, wherein the second user selection is selected from a group comprising: a simultaneous keyboard and mouse selection; and a control selection accessed in one of a control toolbar and a drop-down menu; passing data representing the focused-on item to an information source following initiating the search for information on the focused-on item; receiving the information associated with the focused-on item from the information source; automatically displaying the returned information associated with the focused-on item in a user interface in the electronic document in proximity to the focused-on item; and when the information associated with the focused-on item will not fit in an available display space provided in the user interface: truncating a portion of the information such that only a portion of the information that will fit in the available display space provided in the user interface is displayed; and disposing a selectable control tab on a first side the user interface which, when selected, causes a display of the truncated portion of the information, the selectable control tab including: a first selectable tab which, when selected, causes to be displayed a first portion of the truncated portion of the information; and a second selectable tab which, when selected, causes to be displayed a second portion of the truncated portion of the information; the first and second selectable tabs extending from the user interface, with the first selectable tab being positioned above the second selectable tab.