compos mentis crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the "compos mentis crossword clue", helping you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. We provide answers by letter count, along with helpful insights.
Solutions for "compos mentis crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SANE: Meaning of sound mind, often used in legal contexts to describe someone fit to make decisions.
5 Letters
LUCID: Clear and easy to understand, often applied to thoughts or expressions, but also to a state of mental clarity or rationality.
8 Letters
RATIONAL: Based on or in accordance with reason or logic, implying a sound and thoughtful mental state.
11 Letters
OFSOUNDMIND: A direct and literal translation of "compos mentis," commonly appearing as a hyphenated or unhyphenated phrase in crosswords.
More About "compos mentis crossword clue"
"Compos mentis" is a Latin legal term that directly translates to "of sound mind." This phrase is crucial in legal and medical fields, indicating that an individual has the mental capacity to understand facts and make reasoned judgments, particularly concerning legal matters like signing contracts, making a will, or standing trial.
In crosswords, this clue often appears in puzzles that test general knowledge, including foreign phrases or legal terminology. The challenge lies in recalling the Latin root and then finding a suitable English synonym or phrase that fits the letter count. Common answers like SANE, LUCID, or RATIONAL are frequent contenders, but sometimes a more literal interpretation like OF SOUND MIND is required.
Understanding the nuance of "compos mentis" can significantly aid in solving related clues. It's not just about sanity, but about the ability to think clearly, coherently, and rationally in a given situation. This precision makes it a fascinating and sometimes tricky clue for crossword enthusiasts.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Before guessing, always count the available boxes. For "compos mentis", knowing if it's 4, 5, 8, or 11 letters immediately narrows down your options to SANE, LUCID, RATIONAL, or OFSOUNDMIND.
- Consider Legal/Latin Roots: If a clue sounds formal or uses a foreign term, think about its origin. Many crossword clues draw from Latin, French, or legal jargon. "Compos mentis" is a prime example.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words. These can provide crucial hints, especially for longer answers like OFSOUNDMIND where even one correct letter can make the solution obvious.
- Think Synonyms and Phrases: Crosswords often use synonyms or common phrases. For a term like "compos mentis", consider direct translations and idiomatic expressions that convey the same meaning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "compos mentis" mean?
"Compos mentis" is a Latin legal term meaning "of sound mind." It describes an individual who is mentally capable of understanding and making decisions, particularly in legal or medical contexts.
Is "compos mentis" a common crossword clue?
Yes, "compos mentis" is a moderately common clue in crosswords, particularly in more challenging puzzles or those with a focus on Latin phrases or legal terminology. It often has several possible answers depending on the required letter count.
What are common synonyms for "compos mentis" in crosswords?
Common answers for "compos mentis" in crosswords include SANE, LUCID, RATIONAL, and sometimes the longer phrase OF SOUND MIND. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters required by the puzzle's grid.