When Josh Wardle, a New York based software developer originally from the U.K., created Wordle, he was simply trying to create a game "for me and my partner to enjoy."
Rarely has a global sensation emerged from such humble beginnings. Wardle released the game to the world in October 2021, with his puzzles soon picking up a dedicated online following.
Part of the game's beauty is its simplicity. Each day the player has to work out a five-letter word, in six attempts or less. After each guess all the letters light up, indicating how accurate the guess was. If a letter goes green it is both in the word, and in the correct place. Yellow means the letter features in the word, but has been put in the wrong position, whilst gray indicates it isn't included at all.
Speaking to Newsweek in January 2021, Wardle admitted that, despite inventing Wordle, he still finds the puzzles challenging.
He said: "Well, I did create Wordle and I'm not very good at it, so there's your answer! I'm afraid I'm not really the best.
"[My partner] and I play it on the couch together each morning. She will consistently get it in three goes, which is way, way better than I can ever hope to achieve. I normally need at least four or five attempts."
Later that same month, Wordle was sold to The New York Times for an undisclosed seven-figure fee.
The game's popularity has helped inspire a number of imitators, including Nerdle, Worldle and even Taylordle for fans of hit singer Taylor Swift.
The answer to today's Wordle will be revealed at the end of this article, so scroll down with caution. To help you solve it, Newsweek has provided some hints and tips on the latest puzzle.
'Wordle' #480 Tips and Clues for Wednesday, October 12
Wordle players can use these five hints to solve puzzle #480.
Hint #1: There are two vowels, with one repeated twice.
Hint #2: The first and fourth letters are the same.
Hint #3: Cambridge University Dictionary defines the word as "relating to an atom or small group of atoms that has an electrical charge because it has added or lost one or more electrons," or "of or copying a style of ancient Greek building that has only a small amount of decoration."
Hint #4: Synonyms for today's answer include "classic" and "humanistic."
Hint #5: If you studied science at college, now is the time to be grateful.
'Wordle' #480 Answer for Wednesday, October 12
The answer to today's Wordle is "Ionic."
Well, that was a tricky one! A fairly uncommon word, though the repeated vowel did make it a bit more bearable. How did you do? If you got it, congratulations! If not, well let's just say we understand your pain. Either way, we hope to see you again tomorrow for the latest brainteaser!
The next Wordle puzzle will be available at 7 p.m. ET, when the daily update occurs.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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