Older words. Plain meaning. A companion to Big Book reading.
Big Book Word Study is an independent word-study resource for people reading the Big Book, especially the first 164 pages and the Doctor’s Opinion.
This website works best with a copy of the Big Book in your hand.
The goal is simple: look at words that may be old-fashioned, misunderstood, easy to skim past, or different in meaning than they seem today. Each word page includes pronunciation, older dictionary meaning, plain-English explanation, and page references so you can study the word in context.
What this site is for
Some words in the Big Book are simple at first glance but important in context. Others come from older medical, spiritual, moral, or everyday language that may not be as familiar now.
This site is meant to help readers slow down, look up the word, and return to the book with a clearer understanding.
Useful for:
- Big Book study
- sponsors and newcomers
- meeting preparation
- personal reading
- anyone who wants to understand the language more carefully
Start with the Word Index
The Word Index includes studies on recovery words such as acceptance, action, allergy, craving, fear, honesty, inventory, powerlessness, resentment, surrender, willingness, and many others.
Each page is designed to help readers slow down, understand older or easily misunderstood language, and return to the Big Book with clearer context.
Visit the Word Index to browse available entries.
Independent and unofficial
Big Book Word Study is independent and unofficial. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., or any AA service body.
This site does not reproduce or replace the Big Book. It is designed as a companion resource for readers who already have a copy of the book.