breve crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "breve crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
NOTE: A musical symbol, often referring to a specific duration, or the "breve" itself as a very short note.
MARK: A diacritical mark, like the breve symbol placed over a vowel to indicate a short sound.
5 Letters
SHORT: A direct synonym for 'breve' when it refers to a short vowel sound in linguistics, or a brief duration.
6 Letters
OBLONG: Describes the distinctive oval or rectangular shape of the breve musical symbol, which can appear as two whole notes joined.
More About "breve crossword clue"
The term "breve" in crosswords is a fascinating one, often appearing in contexts related to both music and linguistics. Musically, a breve is a note value equivalent to two whole notes, historically considered a 'short' note, hence its name. Its symbol is usually an oblong or a whole note with a vertical line on either side.
In linguistics and phonetics, a breve is a curved diacritical mark (˘) placed over a vowel to indicate that it is a short vowel sound, as opposed to a long vowel. This duality makes "breve" a rich source for crossword setters, allowing them to craft clues that can lead solvers down different paths depending on the intended meaning.
Understanding these distinct definitions is key to solving "breve" clues. Sometimes, the clue might focus on its meaning as 'short' or 'brief', while other times it might hint at its visual form or its specific musical value. Always consider the broader context of the puzzle and other intersecting words to narrow down the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Context: When encountering a clue like "breve," think about whether the puzzle has a musical theme, a linguistic focus, or if it's a general knowledge clue. This can guide you to the correct interpretation (e.g., musical note vs. phonetic mark).
- Think Synonyms: If the clue is straightforward, 'breve' might simply refer to 'short' or 'brief'. Brainstorm synonyms that fit the letter count.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use the letters from already solved intersecting words to quickly eliminate unlikely answers and confirm the correct one. This is a fundamental crossword strategy.
- Don't Be Afraid to Use a Helper: If you're stuck, a crossword solver or dictionary can provide hints. Use them to learn new words and definitions, not just to cheat!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "breve" usually mean in a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, 'breve' most commonly refers to either a musical note (historically a short one, but often depicted as an oblong symbol representing twice a whole note) or a diacritical mark indicating a short vowel sound in phonetics or linguistics. Depending on the clue's wording, it could also simply mean 'short'.
Are there different kinds of "breve" relevant to crosswords?
Yes, the primary contexts are musical notation (where a 'breve' note has a specific value and appearance) and linguistics (where a 'breve' is a curved mark over a vowel to denote a short pronunciation). Crossword setters often play on these distinct meanings.
How can I identify the correct "breve" answer when multiple fit?
Pay close attention to the clue's phrasing and any accompanying words. Clues related to music might point to 'NOTE' or 'OBLONG,' while those concerning pronunciation or linguistics might suggest 'SHORT' or 'MARK.' The number of letters in the answer is also a crucial hint provided by the grid.