Words Starting With LI
100 wordsLI words form one of English's most versatile combinations, spanning everyday terms like LIMB and LICK to technical vocabulary like LITHOGRAPHICALLY. This collection showcases how two simple letters can anchor words across nearly every domain of human experience.
2-letter words
13-letter words
54-letter words
205-letter words
146-letter words
227-letter words
138-letter words
119-letter words
910-letter words
5Pattern Guide
Insights and recommendations for these words.
The LI combination offers surprising strategic depth for word game enthusiasts, with liquid-related terms dominating the highest scores.
Vocabulary & Language
Linguistic patterns and usage statistics
The prefix LI- itself carries little inherent meaning, but it anchors several productive patterns. Words beginning with LIB- often relate to freedom (from Latin 'liber'), while LIT- frequently connects to stone or writing. The LIQ- cluster exclusively deals with fluids and flowing, giving us LIQUEFY and LIQUIDIZE.
Total Words
835
0.3% of dictionary
Avg Length
8.2 letters
3.0 syllables
Top Scrabble
LIQUIDIZING
31 points
Longest Word
LIGHTHEARTEDNESS
16 letters
Parts of Speech
With 71% nouns and only 7% verbs, LI words lean heavily toward naming things rather than describing actions. The average length of 8.2 letters suggests this pattern favors more complex, often technical vocabulary over simple everyday terms.
Middle English dominates these words, reflecting terms that entered during the medieval period and stuck. Latin provides the second major contribution, particularly for scientific and formal vocabulary. The chain from LIEU through French back to Latin illustrates how Norman French acted as a bridge, carrying Latin words into English through centuries of linguistic borrowing.
Word Games
High-value words for board games
Short (2-4)
Medium (5-7)
make (a solid substance) liquid, as by heating
make (a solid substance) liquid, as by heating
Long (8+)
The LIQUID- family rules supreme here, with LIQUIDIZING scoring 31 points in Scrabble and 35 in WWF. LIZZIE offers an efficient medium-length option at 24 and 25 points respectively. LICK demonstrates how common words can still perform well—its 10 Scrabble points jump to 12 in WWF thanks to the K tile's scoring. For shorter plays, LIMP's 11 WWF points outperforms its modest Scrabble value.
Wordle
5-letter words for daily puzzles
Good Starters (E, A, R, S, T)
a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)
a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)
the basic unit of money in Lithuania
LITER and LITRE both test two vowels plus the common consonants T and R, making them solid opening moves. LITAS adds the frequently-used S while maintaining good vowel coverage.
Length Extremes
Longest and shortest valid words
LIGHTHEARTEDNESS stretches to 16 letters, demonstrating how English builds long words through compounding and suffixing. At the other extreme, LI alone serves as a valid two-letter word, useful for tight board positions.
Hidden Gems
Rare but valid words to surprise opponents
(used of statements) harmful and often untrue; tending to discredit or malign
having or demonstrating belief in the essential goodness of man and the autonomy of the individual; favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority
given official approval to act
someone to whom a license is granted
LIBELLOUS means harmful and often untrue, tending to discredit or malign someone. This British spelling of 'libelous' catches many players off guard—they challenge it and lose. Knowing both spellings gives you flexibility and an edge when opponents doubt your play.
Popular crossword answers
Words frequently used in crossword puzzles with common clues.