Anagramming: meaning, definitions and examples

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anagramming

 

[ ˈænəˌɡræmɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

wordplay activity

Anagramming is the process of rearranging the letters of a word or phrase to create a new word or phrase. It is often used as a form of word play or puzzle. Anagrams can be simple, involving single words, or complex, involving entire phrases. This activity is popular in various word games and puzzles, where creating anagrams serves both entertainment and mental exercise.

Synonyms

letter game, rearrangement, wordplay

Examples of usage

  • Rescue is an anagram of secure.
  • Listen can be anagrammed to silent.
  • I love anagramming with friends during game night.

Translations

Translations of the word "anagramming" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anagramação

🇮🇳 एनाग्रामिंग

🇩🇪 Anagrammierung

🇮🇩 anagramming

🇺🇦 анаграмування

🇵🇱 anagramowanie

🇯🇵 アナグラム化

🇫🇷 anagrammation

🇪🇸 anagramación

🇹🇷 anagramlama

🇰🇷 애너그램화

🇸🇦 تشكيل الأنيجرام

🇨🇿 anagramování

🇸🇰 anagramovanie

🇨🇳 变位词生成

🇸🇮 anagramiranje

🇮🇸 anagramming

🇰🇿 анаграмминг

🇬🇪 ანაგრამირება

🇦🇿 anagramlama

🇲🇽 anagramación

Etymology

The term 'anagram' is derived from the Greek word 'anagramma', which means 'to letter again'. This concept has its roots in ancient linguistic practices where words were often rearranged for various purposes, including cryptography, puzzles, and even mystical uses. Anagramming gained popularity in the Middle Ages as scholars and writers experimented with language and found joy in the manipulation of letters. The playing with words became a recreational pursuit among the educated elite. In modern times, anagrams are prevalent in puzzles and are frequently used recreationally in word games such as Scrabble and crosswords. The playful nature of anagramming has kept it alive through the ages, captivating people’s fascination with language and creativity.