Language is the unique know-how, the software we’ve all used to coordinate with one another for 1000’s of years. Our success in life—each professionally and in relationships—will depend on it.
I write for a residing, so that you’d suppose I’d have language down. I don’t. I consistently discover myself figuring out a phrase exists however not with the ability to consider it. What am I purported to do?
You may, in some circumstances, be capable to use a thesaurus for this—simply lookup a phrase meaning the identical factor because the phrase you’re attempting to consider. However what should you can’t even suppose of the same phrase?
That’s the place right now’s software is useful.
This tip initially appeared within the free Cool Instruments publication from The Intelligence. Get the subsequent concern in your inbox and prepare to find all types of superior tech treasures!
On the tip of my tongue . . .
The subsequent time you’re in a sticky scenario the place you realize a phrase exists however can’t fairly keep in mind what it’s, try a web site known as Reverse Dictionary.
➜ Reverse Dictionary allows you to present a phrase describing a phrase after which get again a listing of doable matches.
⌚ It’ll take you lower than 10 seconds to begin utilizing.
I’ve been enjoying with it for a few days, and I’m actually impressed with how effectively it really works. If I kind “overly keen to please,” as an example, I get again “obsequious”—which was the precise phrase I used to be attempting to consider.
And you will get much more particular than that. Attempting to recollect how the fictional detective would reply to true statements, I typed “how Sherlock Holmes would say certainly.” The outcome: “indubitably.”
I requested about “dystopian to an absurd extent” and obtained each “Orwellian” and “Kafkaesque” as solutions.
Simply enter any phrase, and Reverse Dictionary will serve up instantaneous phrase inspiration.
You get the thought: Simply kind a phrase and discover the phrase you’re on the lookout for. That is clearly helpful for writing, the place discovering the proper phrase can take a sentence from good to nice. However I’ve additionally discovered it a enjoyable solution to discover language.
A few of the web site’s solutions are each amusing and enlightening.
Maybe you’ve heard about how, in German, there’s seemingly a phrase for every little thing. English has a variety of phrases, too—there are over 1 billion phrases in English, in actual fact, and I’m keen to wager you don’t know most of them. If you happen to consider an thought, there’s a good likelihood a phrase for it exists, whether or not you realize it or not. The Reverse Dictionary is a good way to find these hidden gems.
Principally, although, it’s a software for a really particular goal. The Reverse Dictionary isn’t one thing you’re going to make use of each day, and it isn’t going to vary your life. However in these uncommon moments the place you realize a phrase exists however can’t fairly consider it, this software is prepared for you.
- Reverse Dictionary is completely web-based—no apps and nothing to obtain.
- It’s free to make use of. There are a number of banner advertisements, and also you’ll see an advert after typing a question.
- There’s no have to create an account, and you may optionally forestall your search phrases from being listed within the historical past.
Deal with your self to all types of brain-boosting goodies like this with the free Cool Instruments publication—beginning with an instantaneous introduction to an unbelievable audio app that’ll tune up your days in actually pleasant methods.
