Learn what an anagram is in this clear and short explanation. Simple and complex examples of this fun word game format are included.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines an anagram as “A word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase, such as satin to Stain.“
The dictionary undoubtedly answers the question: “What is an anagram?” but … the anagrams are road more fun than this! Anagram games and puzzles are wonderful.
For example, you can change:
- TO seminar in a group of soldiers at sea?
- TO senator in an act of treason?
You can think of:
- 4 letters that can spell both a bird and a predatory mammal?
- 5 letters that spell both a piece of quality meat and a boot with a blade?
If you are picking up on the idea of anagrams, you can guess the answers: seminary / marines, senator / treason Y bird / wolf, Y steak / skate.
Anagrams can be made from the words we use every day. Consider these sets of words: are / ear / era, dare / dear / read, and less / stale / steal / tales.
Sometimes it is possible to form an anagram that is related to the original word or phrase. These are known as cognate gold Perfect anagrams. Here’s a clever example of the Encarta dictionary definition of an anagram: Astronomers is an anagram of no more stars.
Michael Curl’s Dictionary of Anagrams lists some interesting perfect anagrams that are almost unbelievable:
INCOME TAX = Exact money
ELEVEN PLUS TWO = Twelve plus one
LA MONA LISA = Ah, isn’t that a smile?
VICTORIA, QUEEN OF ENGLAND = Rules a pleasant and peaceful land
Now that you know what an anagram is, you are ready to dive into the fun world of solving anagrams. There are many anagram sites online and most newsstand puzzle magazines also contain a good selection of anagram riddles. Anagram word games range from very simple to extremely difficult. Start with the easy ones and work your way up. Once you can solve, or create, some tricky anagrams, you are sure to surprise your friends and family!