Dictionary of Fine Distinctions

Nuances, Niceties and Subtle Shades of Meaning

By: Eli Burnstein

Write A Review

Paperback | 11 November 2025

At a Glance

Paperback
208 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
19.8 x 13.0

Paperback

RRP $26.99

$22.99

15%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $5.75 with

In Stock and Ships in 1-2 business days

A charmingly illustrated and witty stocking filler for language lovers

'Delightful' Steven Pinker
'A joy to read' David Crystal

Swamp or bog? Guilt or shame? Poisonous or venomous?

We pick from a wealth of words to express ourselves each day, giving precious little thought to the specifics or their meaning. But are we using them with any degree of accuracy - or should that be precision?

For hair-splitters and language lovers, Dictionary of Fine Distinctions explores the words that too many of us collapse, conflate or confuse. Inspecting the vanishingly small distinctions between them that make all the difference, Eli Burnstein's witty deep dives into everything from food and fashion to ethics and architecture will sharpen your understanding, tickle your mind and bring clarity at last.

About the Author

Eli Burnstein is a Canadian humour writer, living in London. His work has appeared in the New Yorker, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Slackjaw, Weekly Humorist and Points in Case. He runs a spelling bee (Spelling Bae) that has been featured in the Toronto Star and the National Post, and on CBC Radio.

Industry Reviews

'This delightful book is a tribute to the genius of the human mind for conceptual precision and the beauty of the English language in capturing it' - Steven Pinker,The Language Instinct
'A great idea, beautifully realized. I shall never have a latte again without thinking of this book! A joy to read' - David Crystal, How Language Works
'One doesn't have to read for long before experiencing a 'Eureka' moment, in which a previously murky subject comes into focus' - Wall Street Journal
'An immensely satisfying book' - Washington Examiner

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.