How to play whence

Choose what each part of the word means. You have four guesses for each of the day’s three words.

Select a root, then choose its meaning from the available tiles.
Choose a meaning for every root and select Check guess.
Use the feedback to adjust your choices and try again.

Read your feedback

Green: One of your choices is correct and in the right spot.

Yellow: One of your choices is correct, but in the wrong spot.

Red: One of your choices does not belong in this word.

The markers tell you how your guess did without identifying which choice each marker refers to. Tap a result badge during the game for an explanation.

Points and clues

Solve a word on your first, second, third or fourth guess to earn 4, 3, 2 or 1 point. A revealed or unsolved word earns 0 points. The highest score is 12/12.

Clues don’t cost points, but using one rules out a Perfect result. For Perfect, solve every word on your first guess with no clues.

Streaks and past puzzles

Finish today’s three words to count toward your streak. A new puzzle opens each day at midnight UTC. Past puzzles are available in the puzzle archive and the game’s calendar.

Archive games add to your games finished, but only today’s puzzle extends your streak. Replaying a completed puzzle for practice keeps your original score.

Let’s play