Word Finder

ALEPH

a-l-e-p-h

Noun
Advanced Level
5 Letters

Quick Definition

ALEPH is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and represents the mathematical concept of infinite sets. In Hebrew tradition, it symbolizes the beginning of all things and unity with the divine.

Scrabble Points

10

Points in Scrabble

Base tile values • No multipliers applied

Definition & Meaning

ALEPH (noun) - The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (א), representing the glottal stop consonant. In mathematics, aleph represents infinite cardinal numbers, particularly aleph-null (ℵ₀), the cardinality of the set of natural numbers.

Primary Meanings:

  • • The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet
  • • A symbol in mathematical set theory for infinite numbers
  • • In Kabbalah, represents divine unity and the source of creation
  • • Literary symbol for infinity or the ineffable (as in Borges' "The Aleph")

Etymology & Origin

ALEPH derives from the Hebrew letter אלף (aleph), which itself comes from the Proto-Semitic *alp-, meaning "ox" or "bull." The original pictographic form resembled an ox head, symbolizing strength and leadership.

Etymology Timeline:

  • c. 1200 BCE: Proto-Semitic *alp- (ox, bull)
  • c. 1000 BCE: Hebrew אלף (aleph) - first letter of alphabet
  • 19th century: Adopted into mathematical terminology
  • 1874: Georg Cantor used ℵ (aleph) for transfinite numbers
  • Modern: Literary and mystical symbolism expanded

Cultural & Religious Significance

Hebrew & Jewish Tradition

  • • First letter of Hebrew alphabet, representing divine unity
  • • In Kabbalah, aleph symbolizes the Ein Sof (infinite divine)
  • • Numerical value of 1, representing singularity and beginning
  • • Silent letter, representing the ineffable nature of God

Mathematical Importance

  • • ℵ₀ (aleph-null): cardinality of countable infinite sets
  • • ℵ₁ (aleph-one): first uncountable infinite cardinal
  • • Foundation of Cantor's set theory and transfinite arithmetic
  • • Used to distinguish different sizes of infinity

Word Forms & Related Terms

Hebrew Forms

  • • אלף (aleph) - Hebrew letter
  • • אלפים (alafim) - thousands
  • • אלפבית (alefbet) - alphabet

Mathematical Terms

  • • Aleph-null (ℵ₀)
  • • Aleph-one (ℵ₁)
  • • Transfinite numbers

Literary Usage

  • • Borges' "The Aleph"
  • • Symbol of totality
  • • Mystical literature

Did You Know?

ALEPH contains the high-value letters P (3 points) and H (4 points), making it worth 10 points in Scrabble

Jorge Luis Borges' short story "The Aleph" describes a point containing all other points in the universe

In Jewish mysticism, aleph represents the breath of God and the unity underlying all creation

Mathematically, aleph-null (ℵ₀) is the smallest infinite number, representing countable infinity

The Hebrew letter aleph is silent, requiring a vowel marker to produce sound

Usage Examples

"The Hebrew alphabet begins with aleph, a silent letter that represents the divine breath."

Religious/Cultural Context

"In Cantor's set theory, aleph-null represents the cardinality of the natural numbers."

Mathematical Context

"Borges described the Aleph as a point containing all points in the universe simultaneously."

Literary Context

Similar Words

Words by Point Value

Similar length and difficulty words

PUZZLE
26 pts
QUARTZ
24 pts
WIZARD
19 pts
FROZEN
18 pts
SPHINX
18 pts
GALAXY
17 pts
JUMPER
17 pts
EXOTIC
15 pts

Letter Analysis

Letter Distribution

A (1 pts)
1x
L (1 pts)
1x
E (1 pts)
1x
P (3 pts)
1x
H (4 pts)
1x

Total base points: 10 (Scrabble)

Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 3

Common Mistakes & Tips

Pronunciation

ALEPH is pronounced "AH-lef" or "AY-lef," not "al-EF." The stress is on the first syllable.

Mathematical Context

Don't confuse aleph (ℵ) with alpha (α). Aleph is Hebrew and used for infinite sets; alpha is Greek and used for angles or variables.

Game Strategy

ALEPH is valuable in word games due to its uncommon letter combination and the high-value H and P tiles.

Master This Word

Master the art of finding Hebrew letters and mathematical terms in word games