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backward index mystery
Words Matter

The True Story of the Backward Index

These people needed a computer

There it sits, hidden in plain view on a set of shelves in the basement of the Merriam-Webster offices: the Backward Index. But why would anyone type out 315,000 words spelled in reverse?

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play backward index mystery
The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

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'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'?

 

We're intent on clearing it up

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What Is 'Semantic Bleaching'?

 

How 'literally' can mean "figuratively"

play video its vs its
Its vs. It's

 

Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.

play how to read a french menu video
How to Read a French Menu

 

How to 'amuse-bouche' without begging pardon for your French

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Video: Why is there a 'c' in 'indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

play serial comma
The Serial Comma Explained

 

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

Games & Quizzes

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Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
vector art of man ready to cut messy balls of thread with scissors
Commonly Confused Words Quiz Vol. 2 A quiz to (peak/peek/pique) your interest.
See All