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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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How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)

play video ie vs eg
i.e. vs. e.g.

 

Often used, often confused. Here's some guidance and insight.

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

 

And who put it there, anyway?

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Old-School Grammar

 

Many of today's grammar rules can be traced to the opinions of one 18th century writer.

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How to Read a French Menu

 

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

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How to Remember the Spelling of 'Definitely'

 

A definitive answer.

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
child-detective
Spot the Misspelled Word July 2026 Those little red underlines can't help you now...
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