Vocabulary · For curious minds

One beautiful word,
every time you open it.

No quizzes. No streaks. No pressure.
Just one rich, illustrated word — with its definition, pronunciation, and the story of where it came from.

Available on iPhone

iOS · Release build

ephemeral

adjective · "ih-FEM-er-ul"

Something that lasts only a very short time — here one moment, gone the next. Like a soap bubble, or the smell of rain on warm pavement.

From Greek "ephemeros" — epi (on) + hemera (day). Literally "lasting only a day."

What makes it different

Designed to be savoured,
not rushed.

Most vocabulary apps want your attention all day. Shalim's Words asks for one quiet moment — and gives you something genuinely beautiful in return.

One word at a time

No lists, no levels, no overwhelm. Open the app and one carefully chosen word is waiting for you, front and centre.

Stunning imagery

Every word is paired with a beautifully crafted illustration — so the meaning lands visually, not just intellectually.

Deep roots, plain English

Each entry traces the word back to its origin — Greek, Latin, Old English — written the way a curious friend would explain it.

The experience

Every word, a small story.

Pronunciation, definition, etymology — laid out cleanly, beautifully, with nothing to distract you.

adjective

"WIST-ful"

wistful

A gentle, dreamy sadness — the quiet feeling of longing for something from the past that can't quite be brought back.

From the old English word "wistly", meaning intently or with longing — itself likely rooted in "whist", meaning hushed or still.

In your hands

Built for the phone
in your pocket.

Dark, elegant, and easy on the eyes. Designed for iOS, with full support for Dark Mode.

wistful

adjective · "WIST-ful"

A gentle, dreamy sadness — the quiet feeling of longing for something from the past.

From old English "wistly" — likely rooted in "whist", meaning hushed or still.

epiphany

noun · "ih-PIF-uh-nee"

A sudden, striking moment of realisation — when something you couldn't grasp becomes clear.

From Greek "epiphaneia" — meaning appearance or manifestation. Originally a religious term for the appearance of a god.

mellifluous

adjective · "meh-LIF-loo-us"

Having a sweet, smooth, flowing sound — the kind of music that feels effortless and lovely.

From Latin "mel" (honey) + "fluere" (to flow) — literally flowing with honey.

Built with care

Designed for students
who love language.

Shalim's Words is a private vocabulary app, crafted word by word for students who want to learn beautifully.

iPhone · iOS

Release build · Wireless install

One beautiful word, every time you open it.

Designed to be savoured,not rushed.