Book description
We like to recount that goodbye started out as "god be with you," that whiskey comes from the Gaelic for "water of life," or that avocado originated as the Aztec word for "testicle." But there are many words with origins unknown, disputed, or so buried in old journals that they may as well be lost to the general public. In Origin Uncertain: Unraveling the Mysteries of Etymology, eminent etymologist Anatoly Liberman draws on his professional expertise and etymological database to tell the stories of less understood words such as nerd, fake, ain't, hitchhike, trash, curmudgeon, and quiz, as well as puzzling idioms like kick the bucket and pay through the nose. By casting a net so broadly, the book addresses language history, language usage (including grammar), history (both ancient and modern), religion, superstitions, and material culture. Writing in the spirit of adventure through the annals of word origins, Liberman also shows how historical linguists construct etymologies, how to evaluate competing explanations, and how to pursue further research.
Murder Matter
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
LyRz
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Raid Bucker
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Audiobooks have never been this immersive – this app transports me to different worlds. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment.
Whip Chu
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Raid Bucker
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Rusty Vortex
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
Mud Finger
I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. 🚗📖 Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks – driving has never been this fun! 🚗🎧 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Scare Stone
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Innocent Ghost
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Bad Princess
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner. Organization made simple – this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. 📖📱
Cosmic Presence
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. ⏰ Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks – energizing! 🌅🎧 Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
BlacKitten
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. 🚶♂️🌟 Staying entertained during leisurely walks – audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! 🚶♂️🎧 Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
ButterQuest
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Lope Lope
Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience.
Pepper Legs
Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer!
Storm Master
No more carrying heavy books – this app has transformed my reading habits. 🏃♀️🌟 Experiencing stories while staying active – this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. 🎧🏞️ Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Master Jetson
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
THRESHmSTR
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Mr. Fabulous
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears!
Zod
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience