Welcome to The Word Explorer!
My name is Tara and I’m currently a rising junior at Duke University studying linguistics and political science. Ten years ago, I started this blog to share my love of words with others and teach people about the etymologies of words across the English language.
English borrows words from Latin, Ancient Greek, French, German and many other languages. Over half of the words in the English language come from Latin and Greek so knowledge of these two languages is particularly helpful. I studied Latin (7 years), Spanish (4 years), Hindi (2 years) and Ancient Greek (2 years).
At eight years old, I was the youngest competitor at the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee and my love of words and language led me to compete in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. I placed in the top ten in 2018 and each experience at the National Spelling Bee inspired me to continue exploring linguistics.
In high school, I founded the Bluegrass Literacy Project (BLP) in 2018 as a way to give back to my community. BLP is an award winning 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving English language literacy among the youth of Kentucky. For more information on how to help literacy efforts in the Commonwealth, visit bluegrassliteracyproject.org.
Thank you for visiting my blog — I hope you find your new favorite word while you’re here!
the word explorer 
Hi Tara, your blog is so different, unique! I love it, and chocolate!
I finally checked out your blog and l love it.
– Matylda!
I love your blog Tara. I am learning so many words.
Hi Tara, I love your blog and I am proud of you. Wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Thank you for the lovely comment and for following me! I hope you enjoy my upcoming posts!
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Hi Tara, my name is Meena and I am 10, too. I love your website , and chocolate! I love http://www.spellingmantra.com and if you happen to chat with Stuti, please tell her I am a big fan of her videos!
LOL,
Meena
Hi Meena,
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I don’t know Stuti personally, but I do enjoy her videos! Do you participate in spelling bees?
Yes, I might participate in 2016 NSF. I am not sure, though. I also do the South Asian spelling bee; I have been doing it for 2 years so far. You are an inspiration to people of all ages.
Thanks,
Meena
Have you been to Scripps? If yes, please tell me about it.
Meena,
I have competed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee twice, in 2013 and 2015. I wrote a series of posts about my bee experience last year called the “Insider’s Guide to the 2015 Scripps National Spelling Bee.” Search my blog using the key words “Insider’s Guide” to read my posts. It’ll make more sense if you scroll to the bottom for the very first post in the series. Enjoy!
Have you watched Stuti’s Russian videos?
I have not had the pleasure of watching her Russian videos, but it’s on my list of things to do!
My best friend Harshitha told me she saw you at nsf 2013 or 2014.
She recommended this website.
Please tell her thank you for recommending my blog!
Please post a Name That Animal Challenge #4 soon!
The Insider’s Guide is very helpful. Thanks Tara!
We are so glad to come to know your ‘Never Quit’ attitude. You have showed it to us by striving to go to the Scripps Bee and doing better each and every time, from 2013 and counting. Keep it up, and we know you will. We are so proud of your word explorer blog initiative as an 11 year old. You have a very bright future ahead. Good Luck!
-The Dayapremas
Thank you for the lovely comment and for the encouraging words. Good luck to Anuk as he applies to college!
Hi, this is Meena again!
I love your initiative toward helping kids learn to spell. This is awesome!
Hi Tara
I am also a 12 year old 7th grader. I’m looking to create my own spelling blog inspired by yours. I’d love to have a catchy name like “The Word Explorer”. Could you please help me in finding one like this?
-Nakshatra
Dear Nakshatra,
Choosing a name can be a difficult endeavor. I would advise you to choose something short and memorable but also a name that reflects the content of your site.
I would love to hear what you come up with. Best of luck and happy blogging!
Tara,
I LOVE this blog. I am in 6th grade, and this is my first year participating in any spelling bee other than my school competition. All of the root word games you post have been helpful and fun. Thank you so much!
Hi Megan! Thanks for visiting my blog and for following me! I’m glad you’re enjoying the Name That Animal Challenges.
Hi Tara! I love you so much! 💖 I can’t wait to see you at Scripps! 🙂
Tara-
I love your blog. I have just discovered it and I like hearing the meanings to words most people have never heard of. 😁
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog! Thanks so much for visiting and for leaving a comment!