Book Review - Reader's Digest Reverse Dictionary

A Useful Guide to Finding Words on the Tip of Your Tongue

Jan 20, 2008

Sometimes the word you need proves to be annoyingly elusive. A standard dictionary can't help. A Reverse Dictionary is the answer!

There are times when the right word sits just out of reach. A nagging sensation that if only the first letter would come to mind or if it could be found listed somewhere that it would be instantly recognised.

Unfortunately, when this happens a standard dictionary doesn’t help. Without even a first letter to start the search, it is impossible to locate a specific word. Encyclopaedias are more helpful, but can be too comprehensive to be of real use. Finding the right word amidst several pages of information is far too challenging and time-consuming.

Reader’s Digest has produced a Reverse Dictionary (Reader’s Digest (Australia), 1989) designed to solve this dilemma. Its purpose is to ‘identify the precise word for an idea that may be in your mind but that you can’t express’ (RD Reverse Dictionary, Reader’s Digest (Australia), 1989)

The book consists of a collection of individual word definitions and more than 200 charts, tables, diagrams and illustrations to help the frustrated reader find the word that they are searching for.

Word Definitions

Individual entries provide a definition followed by further 'look-up' suggestions. If there are a variety of meanings or uses for a particular word, each different meaning has a cross-reference. For example, the entry for the word ‘arrow’ contains a synonym (quarrel), some compound words (arrow-maker – fletcher; arrow-like, straight - sagittal), and arrow related words (arrow feather – vane; case for carrying arrows – quiver). Each of the 'look-up' words is listed elsewhere in the dictionary with further definition and cross-references.

By starting with a word that is associated with the one needed, it is possible to follow a path through the Reverse Dictionary to find the right word.

Charts and Tables

The charts and tables group lists of terms and words that are common to a central theme. They are a great starting point to search for a specific word if a general subject or topic is known. Chart subjects include

Diagrams and Illustrations

There is a range of colour diagrams with various parts or sections labelled. In addition, illustrations for topics such as ‘heraldry’, show the various designs and symbols that are relevant to the topic. A great place to look if searching for the name of a part or aspect of a known subject or item. Diagrams include:

A Lexicon of Difficult Words

The last third of the Reverse Dictionary contains 10,000 words that writers or speakers may need to look up to confirm definitions. It functions as a normal dictionary, but does not contain common words that are part of general vocabulary and knowledge. It is designed to be a reference where suspicions about definitions can be confirmed or denied.

The Reverse Dictionary is a useful reference book for anyone who regularly writes text or speeches. It is easy to use and practical and would be a well-appreciated gift for writers or public speakers.

The copyright of the article Book Review - Reader's Digest Reverse Dictionary in Reference Books is owned by Susan Whelan. Permission to republish Book Review - Reader's Digest Reverse Dictionary in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.