Wordle #1,838: A Tricky Puzzle That Might Test Your Patience
Wordle #1,838 is here, and if you’re finding it a bit of a struggle, you’re not alone. According to the New York Times’ WordleBot, the average player completes this puzzle in 4.1 moves in easy mode or 4.0 if playing by hard rules. That’s a touch above the usual average, suggesting today’s answer is a genuine head-scratcher.
We’ll give you some hints and the answer, but be warned: spoilers lie ahead for game #1,838. Only read on if you want to know today’s Wordle answer.
Today’s Hints: Three Levels to Crack the Code
Before we dive into the big reveal, let’s try a few clues. They get more specific as you go, so only scroll as far as you need.
Level 1: Soft Hints (No Direct Spoilers)
Today’s Wordle is a verb. It contains just two vowels. The word is about expressing doubt or hesitation, often in a polite or shy way.
Level 2: Intermediate Hints
The answer starts with the letter D. The second vowel is a U. Think of a word that means to object or show reluctance, like when you’re not quite sure about a plan.
Level 3: Advanced Hints
The word pattern is D _ _ U _. The missing letters are E, M, and R. Synonyms include “balk,” “object,” and “protest.” It’s often used in a formal or slightly old-fashioned setting.
Analysis of Difficulty: Breaking Down the Struggle
| Factor | Level | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Letras Comunes | 4/10 | Only two letters (R and E) are among the ten most common in Wordle answers. |
| Patrones | 5/10 | The ending “UR” is moderately common, but the start “DEM” is less frequent. |
| Vocales | 6/10 | Two vowels (E and U) are in decent positions, but not typical for easy guesses. |
| Engaños | 7/10 | Words like “FEMUR” and “LEMUR” are similar and can lead you astray. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Solving Wordle #1,838
If you’re stuck, here’s how a typical solve might go. I started with my usual opener, ORATE. That gave me two yellow letters: R and E. With those confirmed, I still had 144 possible answers, according to WordleBot.
For my second guess, I went with RESIN. This turned E green and ruled out R in a second slot, leaving just 21 options. My third guess was LEVER, which turned R green but didn’t narrow things down much—only to two possibilities. I then guessed FEMUR, which was wrong, but the pattern was clear. Subbing in D gave me the correct answer: DEMUR.
If you follow a similar path, expect to take four or five attempts. WordleBot’s best opener, MODEL, leaves just five options, so it’s a solid starting point.
Strategies for This Tricky Puzzle
If you get stuck on the second letter (which is E in this case), try testing vowels early. The position of U was key, and many players might miss it. Avoid the trap of guessing words with repeated letters like “MERRY” unless you’re sure. Today’s unique pattern of D _ _ U R is rare, so focus on consonants that fit that mold.
Interesting Statistical Data
The word “DEMUR” isn’t used as often as you might think. It ranks around the 14,000th most common word in English, making it a niche pick. Compared to last week’s puzzles, which averaged a 3.9-guess difficulty, today’s 4.1 average puts it in the harder half of recent games. Only about 60% of players are expected to solve it in four moves or fewer.
For the Curious Minds: The Word’s Origins
“DEMUR” comes from the Old French word “demourer,” meaning to delay or wait. It shares roots with “demure” (meaning reserved or modest), though they’ve diverged in meaning over time. In legal contexts, “demur” means to object formally, while in everyday speech, it’s about showing hesitation. You might see it in phrases like “I demurred from the suggestion.”
Yesterday’s Answer: A Quick Reminder
If you’re reading this in a later time zone, yesterday’s Wordle #1,837 was PUPPY. That was a tough one too, with three P’s and no common letters. If you missed it, check out our full analysis. Today’s puzzle feels similar in difficulty—both demand patience and a good first word.
General Strategy Tips for Future Puzzles
Here are a few takeaways from today’s solve:
- Start with a vowel-rich word. ORATE or ADIEU are solid choices, but MODEL worked better today.
- Don’t ignore repeated letters. While DEMUR has none, many tricky puzzles do, so keep them in mind.
- Use elimination wisely. After two guesses, you can mentally test consonants like L, M, or N to narrow down options.
- Stay calm with rare letters. Today’s D and M are less common, but they’re not unheard of. Trust the process.
Good luck with tomorrow’s puzzle! And if you ever feel stuck, remember: even the best players lose a streak now and then.
