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STRANGE means unusual, odd, or unfamiliar; not previously known, seen, or encountered. It describes something that deviates from the normal, expected, or ordinary, often evoking curiosity, unease, or wonder.
Yes. STRANGE is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 8 points in Scrabble, 10 in Words With Friends and 9 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.
| Letter | S | T | R | A | N | G | E | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrabble | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Words With Friends | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 10 |
| Wordfeud | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
Strange occupies a unique position in the English language as one of our most versatile descriptors of the unfamiliar and unusual. From quantum physics' "strange quarks" to everyday encounters with the unexpected, this word captures humanity's perpetual dance with the unknown. Its semantic range spans from mild peculiarity to profound mystery, making it indispensable for expressing our reactions to a world full of surprises.
The concept of strangeness reflects fundamental aspects of human cognition. Our brains are pattern-recognition machines, constantly comparing new experiences against stored templates. When something doesn't fit—when it violates our expectations or defies categorization—we label it "strange." This cognitive dissonance can trigger responses ranging from fear (xenophobia stems from "strange" + "fear") to fascination (the basis of scientific curiosity).
In literature and art, strangeness serves as a powerful creative tool. The "strange" creates narrative tension, drives plots, and challenges readers' assumptions. From Shakespeare's "passing strange" in Othello to Camus's "The Stranger," writers have exploited our complex relationship with the unfamiliar. The surrealist movement explicitly celebrated strangeness, while science fiction—sometimes called "the literature of strange"—explores how technological and social changes render the familiar strange.
The word "strange" traces a fascinating path through European languages, revealing how concepts of foreignness and unfamiliarity have shaped human communication. From Latin through French to English, its evolution mirrors changing attitudes toward the unknown and other.
Anagrams: ARGENTSGARNETS
Hooks: front ESTRANGE; back STRANGER, STRANGES.
Words inside STRANGE: 214 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: ARGENTSGARNETSAGENTSANGERSARGENTGARNETGASTERGATERSGRANTSGRATESGREATSRANGES. See all words from STRANGE.