Word-formation from letters (no repetition): How many distinct, meaningful English words can be formed using all four letters E, A, M, L?

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary reasoning item asks you to form valid English words using exactly the letters E, A, M, L once each (no repetition, no extra letters). The task is to count how many distinct meaningful words can be created.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Available letters: E, A, M, L.
• Use all four letters exactly once per word.
• Only standard English dictionary words should be counted.

Concept / Approach:
List plausible anagrams and validate them against common vocabulary. Typical candidates from E, A, M, L include “MEAL,” “MALE,” and “LAME.” Other permutations like “MELA,” “LEAM,” or “ALME” are not standard dictionary headwords in general-aptitude contexts.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Cross-verify with a standard word list: the three accepted common words are “MEAL,” “MALE,” and “LAME.”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“1,” “2,” or “4/0” miscount either by excluding valid items or including nonstandard forms.

Common Pitfalls:
Counting near-words or abbreviations (e.g., “MELA” as a fair/festival in Indian English is not typically accepted as a general English dictionary headword in such tests), or missing a valid everyday word.

Final Answer:
3