Semordnilap

C2 8+

Pronunciation: /sɪˈmɔːrdnɪlæp/

Definitions of semordnilap

noun a word or phrase that spells a different word or phrase backward

Example Sentences

A1 A semordnilap is a word that spells a different word backward.

A2 Children enjoy discovering semordnilaps like 'desserts' and 'stressed'.

B1 Playing with semordnilaps can help improve vocabulary and spelling skills.

B2 Some semordnilaps are commonly used in everyday language, such as 'drawer' and 'reward'.

C1 Linguists study the phenomenon of semordnilaps to understand language structure and cognition.

C2 Finding semordnilaps in different languages can be a fun linguistic challenge for polyglots.

adjective describing a word or phrase that has a different meaning when spelled backward

Example Sentences

A1 The word 'semordnilap' is a semordnilap word.

A2 A semordnilap phrase is a word that spells another word backwards.

B1 Children enjoy playing with semordnilap puzzles.

B2 The concept of semordnilap words is fascinating to linguists.

C1 Creating semordnilap sentences can be a fun linguistic exercise.

C2 The author cleverly used semordnilap words in the novel to add depth to the story.

Examples of semordnilap in a Sentence

formal The term 'semordnilap' refers to words that spell different words backward.

informal I just learned about semordnilaps - they're words that read differently backward!

slang Semordnilaps are like word puzzles - they spell a different word when read backward.

figurative Life is full of semordnilaps, where things may appear one way at first but reveal a different meaning later on.

Grammatical Forms of semordnilap

past tense

semordnilaped

plural

semordnilaps

comparative

more semordnilap

superlative

most semordnilap

present tense

semordnilaps

future tense

will semordnilap

perfect tense

have semordnilaped

continuous tense

is semordnilaping

singular

semordnilap

positive degree

very semordnilap

infinitive

to semordnilap

gerund

semordnilaping

participle

semordnilaping

Origin and Evolution of semordnilap

First Known Use: 1981 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'semordnilap' is a playful term coined by reversing the word 'palindromes'.
Evolution of the word: The term 'semordnilap' was created to describe words that form a different word when spelled backward, as opposed to palindromes which form the same word when spelled backward. It is a relatively modern term and has gained popularity in linguistic circles.