An apparatus and method of identifying an unknown word based on a known meaning, or word identification system. The word identification system allows a user that knows the meaning of a word but cannot recall the word that corresponds to the known meaning to identify the word through a series of simple questions. Each of the questions elicits information known about the unknown word through the knowledge of the meaning of the word and its use in language. With each response, the number of words matching the definitional characteristics is reduced until a set of one or more probable words and definitions for the unknown word is finally presented to the user.