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Flip Dictionary
You know what you want to say but can't think of the word. You can describe what you're thinking but you don't know the name for it. Flip Dictionary solves this common problem! Best-selling author Barbara Ann Kipfer has created a huge reference that offers cues and clue words to lead writers to the exact phrase or specific term they need. It goes beyond the standard reverse dictionary format to offer dozens of charts and tables, listing groups by subject (such as automobiles, clothing types, plants, tools, etc.) Flip Dictionary is an excellent resource for everyone. Writers of fiction and non-fiction will use it to find that elusive word they need, and word lovers will find it an entertaining book to simply sit and browse through. Crossword puzzlers will also find it invaluable. An indispensable desk reference, as necessary as a dictionary or thesaurus, but a whole lot more fun.
704 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
3 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ann Kipfer
129 books249 followersDr. Barbara Ann Kipfer (born in 1954) is a lexicographer,as well as an archaeologist. She has written more than 60 books, including 14,000 Things to be Happy About (Workman), which has more than a million copies in print and has given rise to many Page-a-Day calendars. The 25th anniversary edition of the book was published in October 2014. She is the editor of Roget's International Thesaurus.
Kipfer is Chief Lexicographer of the company Temnos. She has worked for such companies as Google, Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com, Answers.com, Ask Jeeves, Bellcore/Telcordia, Federated Media Publishing, General Electric Research, IBM Research, idealab, Knowledge Adventure, Textdigger, The Chicago Tribune, and WolframAlpha. Barbara holds a PhD and MPhil in Linguistics (University of Exeter), a PhD in Archaeology (Greenwich University), an MA and a PhD in Buddhist Studies (Akamai University), and a BS in Physical Education (Valparaiso University).
(from Wikipedia)
Kipfer is Chief Lexicographer of the company Temnos. She has worked for such companies as Google, Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com, Answers.com, Ask Jeeves, Bellcore/Telcordia, Federated Media Publishing, General Electric Research, IBM Research, idealab, Knowledge Adventure, Textdigger, The Chicago Tribune, and WolframAlpha. Barbara holds a PhD and MPhil in Linguistics (University of Exeter), a PhD in Archaeology (Greenwich University), an MA and a PhD in Buddhist Studies (Akamai University), and a BS in Physical Education (Valparaiso University).
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 6, 2013
I am a dork. I put this book on my Christmas Wish List, and it was the best present I got. Well, maybe not as good as having my kids with me for Christmas, but fairly close.
Ever try to think of a word and you can't remember it, it's right on the tip of your tongue? For instance what are those little things on the end of your shoe laces called? I looked up shoelace end and the answer was right there. Oh, it's an aglet. What do you call a dog's nose? Look up dog nose and the answer is: snout or muzzle. Yes, you figured it out, it's a dictionary in reverse.
This would make a great gift for a writer, a student, I even think an office would get use out of it.
Ever try to think of a word and you can't remember it, it's right on the tip of your tongue? For instance what are those little things on the end of your shoe laces called? I looked up shoelace end and the answer was right there. Oh, it's an aglet. What do you call a dog's nose? Look up dog nose and the answer is: snout or muzzle. Yes, you figured it out, it's a dictionary in reverse.
This would make a great gift for a writer, a student, I even think an office would get use out of it.
August 18, 2009
It’s not quite a thesaurus and not really a dictionary, but this word reference is a useful book indeed. Subtitled “For when you know what you want to say but can’t think of the word,” the Flip Dictionary lists synonyms, groups of words or phrases, related words and definitions first so you can find exactly the word you need.
For example, the book lists numerous synonyms for “emotion,” and then goes on to list, in separate entries, dozens of definitions related to emotion, such as “emotional tension after overwhelming experience, release of.” This way you can find “catharsis” — by looking backwards. Handy.
If you need to know 10 varieties of pears or major world lakes, there are entries for those. If you’ve forgotten the name of the gadget that measures radiation, look under “radiation measurement instrument” to find “Geiger counter.”
If you know there’s a word for something — or another, better word — but you’re having a hard time coming up with it, this book will jog your memory. And for word lovers, it’s easy to get mesmerized, captivated or spellbound just flipping through the Flip Dictionary.
For example, the book lists numerous synonyms for “emotion,” and then goes on to list, in separate entries, dozens of definitions related to emotion, such as “emotional tension after overwhelming experience, release of.” This way you can find “catharsis” — by looking backwards. Handy.
If you need to know 10 varieties of pears or major world lakes, there are entries for those. If you’ve forgotten the name of the gadget that measures radiation, look under “radiation measurement instrument” to find “Geiger counter.”
If you know there’s a word for something — or another, better word — but you’re having a hard time coming up with it, this book will jog your memory. And for word lovers, it’s easy to get mesmerized, captivated or spellbound just flipping through the Flip Dictionary.
March 10, 2010
I highly recommend this book for a user-friendly, comprehensive thesaurus you can't live without. Microsoft Word is fine in a pinch, but The Flip Dictionary is great when you need the perfect word to convey what you mean but it's on the tip of your tongue.
December 24, 2007
yeah yeah, a dictionary makes my 5 star list...
I love this book; you look up the meaning of a word and it says the word you want - its kinda like a thesaurus but not (and so much better!).
I love this book; you look up the meaning of a word and it says the word you want - its kinda like a thesaurus but not (and so much better!).
May 10, 2010
You know when you know there's a word that means exactly what you want but you can't think of it? That's when you need the Flip Dictionary. This is on MUST OWN NOW list.
June 11, 2020
Another author recommended this book on a podcast, stating it was perfect for times when you have a word on the tip of your tongue. As much as I love Google for research and digging into subjects, this good is focused, to the point, and tailored to giving you just enough context without letting you fall into a research hole.
There have been a handful of times where the book has disappointed me by missing something I would have assumed it should have, but those are the exception and really should be expected. Overall, an awesome resource.
There have been a handful of times where the book has disappointed me by missing something I would have assumed it should have, but those are the exception and really should be expected. Overall, an awesome resource.
January 8, 2018
Another must have for writers.
December 19, 2021
I love it! When a word won'tr come to mind, or I know I'm close but not right on the money, this book is a life saver.
October 23, 2013
I know this isn't an actual reading type book but I refer to it so much that I probably have 'read' completely. In fact I've had to reglue my copy to keep the pages from falling out.
I recommend this to 'anyone' who does any kind for writing or speaking and has trouble thinking of the right word! Epecially good for older people.
You don't need a simular word or definition just something close and then follow the trail to the right one. It jogs my memory to find the word I'm looking for and sometimes a better one.
There's also lists of types of a word. Like all the words that are shades of the color blue.
I recommend this to 'anyone' who does any kind for writing or speaking and has trouble thinking of the right word! Epecially good for older people.
You don't need a simular word or definition just something close and then follow the trail to the right one. It jogs my memory to find the word I'm looking for and sometimes a better one.
There's also lists of types of a word. Like all the words that are shades of the color blue.
January 18, 2008
Wonderful resource book! Mine is well marked up. The synopsis doesn't give much credit to the tables that are in this book as well! If you want to know the military ranks of any branch, look up the branch and there is a table of the ranks.
If you want to know what a baseball, football etc play was. Look up that sport and see the table that tells the move you want, then names the play!
I just can't say enough of this "little" book.
If you want to know what a baseball, football etc play was. Look up that sport and see the table that tells the move you want, then names the play!
I just can't say enough of this "little" book.
August 9, 2012
Must have for writers, students and teachers. Even business people could find use for it. Very helpful when you don't have the right word, but know it's context or category, etc. For example, you know there's a word for someone who is afraid of the number 13. Look up phobias and you'll find "triskaidekaphobia." Someone who suffers from this condition is triskaidekaphobic. Voila!
November 24, 2009
I haven't really read through this entire book, but I didn't want it on my "currently reading" shelf anymore. I mean, who reads through an entire dictionary? :P But I do love this book. It comes in handy more often than my normal dictionary does. :)
June 1, 2011
A backwards dictionary! I checked this out from the library and now it's (sadly) time to give it back. This thing is so freaking cool and unique that I have to buy a copy to keep as a reference at home.
August 23, 2013
Okay, of course I didn't read this cover to cover (although it is a thought I had.) But if I had the money to keep books, I would have this on my shelf. And if I found it at a used bookstore for cheap, I'd buy it. Its definitely something I'd keep in my office.
July 18, 2008
OMG! How does anyone write without this book? The best tool on the market.
January 15, 2009
I've had a head injury and this dictionary has been a life saver!
January 16, 2009
A great word finder for writers
March 12, 2009
I use this weekly. I love it. I can't believe I am only adding it now. The best go-to "OMG what the heck is that word/definition again?" reference text.
July 31, 2011
One of the best investments I have ever made as a writer. This is a perfect blend of a thesaurus and a dictionary and a reference guide.
August 21, 2014
A wonderful reference for a writer. I use it daily. I especially enjoy this paperback version.
April 15, 2015
A great resource for finding that word you can't quite think of.
July 16, 2015
This was the only dictionary and reference tool I used from 2001-2006.
July 28, 2015
Very useful tool and resource for writers.
August 20, 2015
A must have for writers!
November 9, 2016
I find this book indispensable. Whenever I'm stuck for a word or phrase, the Flip Dictionary comes through with so many options. Great for writers, students, anyone.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews