word finder
1
5.6
- noun
- /wɜrd ˈfaɪndər/
- The word finder helped me recall the right term for my essay.
Examples
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She uses a word finder when writing poetry to choose precise words.
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I keep a word finder on my desk for times when I'm stuck.
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I need a word finder for my writing class.
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Using a word finder can help improve your vocabulary.
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I keep a word finder on my desk for times when I'm stuck.
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The word finder helped me recall the right term for my essay.
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She uses a word finder when writing poetry to choose precise words.
Synonyms
157
1.0
A book or website that lists words and shows their meanings
1
4.8
A book that lists words and their meanings
1
3.4
An online tool that suggests words with similar meanings for writing
A book or website that helps you find a word you cannot remember
How Helpful
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a tool or reference that helps find a word' is directly derivable from combining 'word' (a unit of language) with 'finder' (one that finds), so 'word finder' naturally denotes something that finds words. This noun-noun compounding follows a very common, compositional pattern in English (and parallels in many languages), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should understand the MWE.
Etymology
The noun word finder comes from the simple idea of a tool that 'finds' words you cannot remember. Imagine a helper that points to the right word when you are stuck, so it really is a finder. That's why it means 'a book or tool that helps you find a word'.