crossword clue auspices – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the crossword clue "auspices", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible solutions, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "crossword clue auspices" by Letter Count
5 Letters
AEGIS: Protection or support provided by a particular person or organization, often used in phrases like "under the aegis of."
8 Letters
GUIDANCE: The act of guiding or showing the way, often implying a beneficial influence or direction.
9 Letters
PATRONAGE: The support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another.
10 Letters
PROTECTION: The action of protecting, or the state of being protected, often referring to a safeguarding influence.
More About "crossword clue auspices"
"Auspices" is a word with a rich history, deriving from the Latin 'auspex', meaning a bird-watcher or diviner. In ancient Rome, priests known as 'auspices' would observe the flight of birds to predict the future or to determine whether a proposed action was favored by the gods. This practice led to the word evolving to mean a divine or prophetic sign, usually positive.
Today, the term is most commonly used in the phrase "under the auspices of," meaning "with the support, patronage, or protection of." For example, an event held "under the auspices of" a university signifies that the university is sponsoring or endorsing it. This context is crucial when considering crossword answers, as the clue often seeks a synonym for this modern usage.
Understanding this historical and contemporary meaning helps in identifying correct answers like GUIDANCE, PATRONAGE, or PROTECTION, as they all capture the essence of beneficial oversight or support implied by "auspices."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Consider if the clue implies active support (like patronage) or passive influence (like guidance). This can narrow down your options significantly.
- Look for Common Phrases: If the clue is a single word like "auspices", think about common idioms or phrases it's part of (e.g., "under the auspices of"). The answer might be a core synonym used in that context.
- Check Cross-References: Always use intersecting letters from other solved clues to confirm your answer. Even if you're confident, a single incorrect letter can throw off multiple words.
- Consider Word Lengths: Different synonyms for "auspices" have varying lengths. Pay close attention to the number of boxes provided in the grid to guide your choice.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "auspices" typically mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "auspices" often refers to sponsorship, patronage, protection, or guidance. It implies a supporting or governing influence. Common synonyms are frequently the correct answers.
Are there common word lengths for "auspices" answers?
Answers for "auspices" can vary widely in length, from shorter words like AEGIS (5 letters) or CARE (4 letters) to longer ones such as GUIDANCE (8 letters), PATRONAGE (9 letters), or PROTECTION (10 letters). Always check the given letter count in your puzzle.
How can I differentiate between similar-meaning clues?
To differentiate, pay close attention to the specific nuance of the clue, the number of letters required, and any intersecting letters you already have. Sometimes, the source of the crossword (e.g., specific newspaper style) can also give a hint. Consider if the clue implies a person, an action, or a state of being.