Anagram Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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anagram
[ˈænəˌɡræm ]
Definition
word game
An anagram is a word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of a different word or phrase, typically using all the original letters exactly once. Anagrams can serve as a form of wordplay and are often used in puzzles, games, and creative writing.
Synonyms
jumble, rearrangement, wordplay.
Examples of usage
- Dormitory - Dirty room
- Listen - Silent
- Astronomer - Moon starer
- The Morse Code - Here come dots
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- Anagrams can sometimes reveal clever connections in language; for example, 'listen' can be rearranged to form 'silent'.
- They are commonly used in puzzles and word games, enhancing vocabulary and creativity.
Pop Culture
- In the 1960s, famous author J.R.R. Tolkien used anagrams in 'The Hobbit' to create names and enrich storytelling.
- Anagrams have gained popularity in modern culture, often featured in games like Scrabble and apps designed for wordplay.
Psychology
- Playing with anagrams has been shown to boost cognitive skills, such as problem solving and critical thinking.
- Engaging in wordplay like anagrams can increase mental agility and improve language proficiency.
Mathematics
- Anagrams have mathematical underpinnings in combinatorics, enabling the calculation of how many different ways letters can be rearranged.
- The number of distinct anagrams for a word can be calculated using factorials, especially when letters are repeated.
Origin of 'anagram'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'anagram' comes from the Greek word 'anagramma', meaning 'to be written again'.
- The practice of creating anagrams dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, where it was often used in texts to create hidden meanings.
The word 'anagram' originates from the Greek word 'anagraphein', which means 'to write again'. This is a compound of 'ana-', meaning 'again', and 'grapho', meaning 'to write'. The term has been used in various forms since the 16th century, particularly in the context of literary and linguistic amusements. Anagrams have been popular in word games and puzzles, with their strategy often involving the manipulation of letter sequences to form new word constructions. The practice of creating anagrams has historical significance in many cultures, where they have been used as a form of cryptic communication and as a method to convey hidden meanings.