faq
What is lexicow?
lexicow is a minimalist vocabulary site for TOEFL and IELTS preparation. It shows one academic English word per page — with its definition, three natural example sentences, synonyms, and a note on how the word behaves in the exams. Each word's meaning is also acted out by a small animation built just for it.
How is the word of the day chosen?
The home page redirects to a different word every day, rotating through the full list in a fixed daily cycle. Every word also has its own permanent page, so you can visit, bookmark, or share any word at any time.
Why does every word have an animation?
Because words tied to an experience are remembered far better than words tied to a translation. On the page for abate, a storm visibly dies down; on resilient, a ball is crushed and springs back; on persist, a drop of water slowly wears a dent into stone. The animation gives your memory something to hold on to besides the letters.
How do I move between words?
Use the arrows on either side of the word, or the ← and → keys on your keyboard. The small toggle under the animation switches between alphabetical order and random mode; in random mode the left arrow walks back through the words you have already visited.
Which words are included?
The vocabulary is drawn from the Academic Word List and from words that appear repeatedly in past TOEFL and IELTS materials — the kind of words that decide reading scores and lift writing bands. The list grows over time.
Is lexicow free? Do I need an account?
Completely free, no account, no sign-up, no app to install. Your only preferences — navigation mode and recently visited words — are stored locally in your own browser and never leave your device.
What is the best way to use lexicow for TOEFL or IELTS?
Little and often beats cramming. Visit once a day, watch the scene, read the definition, then read the three example sentences aloud — they are written to be reusable in your own speaking and writing. Pay special attention to the "In TOEFL & IELTS" note: it tells you the collocations examiners reward and the traps they set.
I found a mistake, or I want to suggest a word.
Wonderful — write to studioincir@gmail.com. Corrections, word suggestions, and ideas for new scenes are all welcome.