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.
Baby Spell
πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Tough Nut
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Heaven Sent
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
Irish Dze
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Snow Hound
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Whip 2T
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ
Flyswat Briggs
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
NexusNavigator
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
RealmRanger
πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Grinch Cheese
ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Bridge Whip
No more interruptions β the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
Sky Dahlia
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
NightDream
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Broomspun
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection β it's a parenting win! I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
InsightfulInk
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Lope Lope
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze.
Nutmeg
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! π±π§
Whistler
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable.
RZRWRE
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Flint
I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
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