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.
HolyCombo
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a perfect match. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
InsightInkwell
The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Trash Pocky
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Onion King
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge.
Toy Town
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
Twinkle
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. Audiobook excellence – this app's design enhances my reading experience. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Necromancer
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores – this app is a lifesaver! Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged.
Tse Tse Guy
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Cross Thread
Simplifying audiobook adventures – this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Firedog
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
Zorkle Sporkle
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Gunhawk
ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends.
Steel Heart
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Impulsive Flower
Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Low Voltage
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
QuestQuill
ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
CoB@lt
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨ This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Gentle Avenger
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. 🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Demo Tequila
I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. 🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Stealth
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
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