crossword clue fine – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "crossword clue fine", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue fine" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GOOD: A common synonym for 'fine' meaning satisfactory or of high quality. Often used for health or condition.
OKAY: An everyday term signifying something is acceptable or satisfactory, similar to 'fine'.
THIN: Describes something of small diameter or delicate texture, such as 'fine thread' or 'fine sand'.
5 Letters
EXACT: Pertains to precision or accuracy, as in 'fine details' or 'fine-tuning'.
7 Letters
PENALTY: Refers to a sum of money exacted as a punishment for an offense, e.g., a 'traffic fine'.
8 Letters
DELICATE: Describes something that is intricately made, fragile, or of superior quality, like 'fine china'.
More About "crossword clue fine"
The word "fine" is a fascinating example of how a single word can carry a multitude of meanings, making it a versatile and often tricky clue in crosswords. It can describe quality (excellent), texture (very thin or delicate), state of being (well, healthy), precision (exact), or a monetary charge (penalty). This polysemy is a favorite tool of crossword setters to challenge solvers.
When encountering "fine" in a crossword, it's essential to consider the context provided by the rest of the clue, including any surrounding words or punctuation, and the number of letters in the expected answer. For instance, a clue might lean towards the quality aspect with phrases like "of high quality" or "splendid," while another might point to its legal meaning with "court charge" or "sum due."
By understanding the various facets of "fine," from its adjectival uses describing texture or excellence to its nominal use as a punitive sum, solvers can more effectively narrow down the possibilities. This deep dive into a single word highlights the linguistic richness that makes crosswords endlessly engaging.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: For polysemous words like "fine," always brainstorm all possible definitions. List synonyms for each meaning to expand your options.
- Check letter count: The number of letters is your most important constraint. Use it to immediately eliminate answers that don't fit. For "fine," this can help distinguish between "GOOD" (4 letters) and "PENALTY" (7 letters).
- Look for context clues: Pay attention to other words in the clue. Is it asking about a texture, a feeling, a quality, or a legal term? This can guide you to the correct meaning and answer.
- Cross-reference with intersecting words: If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them to confirm or narrow down your choices for "fine."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'fine' have so many different meanings in crosswords?
The word 'fine' is a polysemous word, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings. In crosswords, setters leverage this ambiguity to create challenging clues that can refer to quality (excellent), texture (thin), well-being (good), precision (exact), or a monetary penalty. Understanding the context of the clue is crucial.
How can I distinguish between 'fine' as an adjective and 'fine' as a noun?
When 'fine' is used as an adjective (e.g., 'fine weather', 'fine print'), it describes a quality. When it's used as a noun (e.g., 'pay a fine'), it refers to a monetary penalty. Clues often provide hints through grammar or context, such as 'court charge' for the noun or 'excellent' for the adjective.
Are there common tricks crossword setters use with the clue 'fine'?
Yes, setters often play on the ambiguity. Look for clues that might suggest a specific meaning: 'penalty' or 'sum paid' for the noun, or words like 'excellent', 'delicate', 'thin', 'healthy' for the adjective. The number of letters can also narrow down possibilities significantly.