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§Puzzle terminology · theory

Frequency analysis

A code-breaking technique using the relative frequency of letters in a language to deduce a substitution cipher.

Origin and context

In English the most common letters are E, T, A, O, I, N, S, H, R. Frequency analysis informs Wordle opener choice and is the core technique for cracking classical ciphers.

Related terms

Frequently asked

What is Frequency analysis?

A code-breaking technique using the relative frequency of letters in a language to deduce a substitution cipher.

Where does Frequency analysis come from?

In English the most common letters are E, T, A, O, I, N, S, H, R. Frequency analysis informs Wordle opener choice and is the core technique for cracking classical ciphers.

What's related to Frequency analysis?

Related puzzle terms include Information theory. See the linked entries for full definitions.

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