Only a genius can spot the odd word out in this tricky optical illusion

This optical illusion will put your attention to detail to the test. If you spot the odd word out lurking below quickly then you can give yourself a hearty pat on the back, before sending this on to your mates and family to see how your result ranks, of course, because nothing beats the bragging rights of being the quickest.

Optical illusions, like riddles, brainteasers and other kinds of puzzles, aren't just a laugh though. They also come with a long list of health benefits, with one study even showing that regular puzzling can help fend off some of the common adverse effects of ageing.

Solving mental challenges like this can also give you a boost of dopamine, and who doesn't want to be both happier and healthier?

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From boosting your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and improving your memory, there are loads of reasons that you should incorporate fun games like this into your weekly routines, so scroll down to see just how fast you can crack this tricky illusion.

This optical illusion was first posted on TikTok by the account @quiz.n.riddle, and it's racked up over 28,000 likes and over 10,000 comments from people who have given it their best shot. The goal here is to find the word USA amid rows and rows of the deceptively similar U5A - and not many people can crack this one quickly.

If you've spotted it with ease, then give yourself a pat on the back - you're a genius! Many people struggle to find it at all. If you're still searching for the odd word out, either scroll back up and scrutinise this tricky illusion, or read on for a hint.

The answer is tucked away in the bottom left-hand corner of the image, so focus your gaze there if you're still struggling to spot the word USA. Optical illusions like this are particularly clever because they exploit one of our brain's automatic processes - assumptions.

The main word present U5A, bears a striking resemblance to USA, causing your brain to have difficulty distinguishing the odd word out.

Our brains actually function on a slight delay, just a matter of milliseconds, from reality, as it takes this amount of time for what our eyes see to be processed and responded to, this is where assumptions come into play. Without relying on assumptions based on our past experiences and knowledge, we would be somewhat lost, so these assumptions help us stay safe.

The final answer is revealed below, so keep scrolling to confirm your guess. The USA is in the penultimate row, four words in. While this one was seriously challenging - and fun - it also highlights an important point: if we don't question the instinctive assumptions we make, we can sometimes overlook what is right under our noses.

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