LETTERWISE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "letterwise" is an adjective that refers to something done or understood on a letter-by-letter basis. It denotes an approach, analysis, or understanding that focuses on individual letters rather than the entire word, sentence, or context. In this sense, it highlights an examination or comprehension that takes place one letter at a time.
When applied to reading or spelling, a letterwise approach involves recognizing and associating each letter with its corresponding sound or meaning. It implies a meticulous or detailed consideration of each character's contribution to the overall word or phrase. Some individuals with learning difficulties or in the early stages of literacy may adopt a letterwise reading strategy to incrementally decode unknown words.
The term can also be used in a more general sense to describe any activity or operation that involves the examination or manipulation of letters separately. For instance, in a word game like Scrabble, players often rearrange and analyze their letter tiles letterwise to form valid words. In the field of cryptography or cryptanalysis, letterwise analysis may be employed to crack coded messages by studying the frequency, patterns, or relationships among individual letters.
In conclusion, "letterwise" pertains to an approach or understanding that revolves around considering or dealing with individual letters rather than a word or sentence as a whole. It encompasses reading, spelling, word games, and cryptography, emphasizing the meticulous examination or manipulation of letters on their own.
Etymology of LETTERWISE
The word "letterwise" is derived from the combination of the noun "letter" and the adverbial suffix "-wise".
The noun "letter" dates back to Middle English and comes from Old English "letter" or "lættre", which were derived from the Latin word "littera", meaning "letter of the alphabet". This Latin term itself might have originated from the Etruscan or Greek letter names.
The suffix "-wise" traces its roots back to Old English as well, where it was spelled "-wisan" or "-wysa". It comes from the Old English verb "wīsan", meaning "to show, guide, direct". This verb eventually evolved and gained a broader range of meanings, such as "in the manner of" or "with regard to".
When combined, "letterwise" refers to something done or viewed with respect to each letter or in the manner of letters.
