drove crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "drove crossword clue", helping you complete your puzzle with ease and confidence. We provide solutions organized by letter count, along with insights to deepen your crossword knowledge.
Solutions for "drove crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RODE: Past tense of 'ride', commonly used when referring to operating a vehicle or mounting an animal.
5 Letters
URGED: To compel or strongly encourage someone to do something; aligns with 'drove' in the sense of compelling action.
6 Letters
HERDED: To gather and move (animals) in a group. Directly related to 'drove' as a noun for a group of livestock.
GUIDED: Directed the course or movements of someone or something, similar to driving a vehicle.
7 Letters
STEERED: Guided or controlled the movement of a vehicle, boat, or animal. A very common synonym for driving.
PILOTED: Acted as a pilot of (an aircraft or ship); to guide or control. Implies active control, much like driving.
8 Letters
OPERATED: Controlled the functioning of a machine, process, or system. Broadly covers the act of driving a vehicle.
9 Letters
COMPELLED: Forced or obliged (someone) to do something. Relates to 'drove' in the sense of forcing or urging someone into an action.
More About "drove crossword clue"
The word "drove" is a classic crossword clue because of its versatility and multiple meanings. Primarily, it's recognized as the past tense of the verb "drive," which can mean to operate a vehicle (like a car or bus), to force or compel someone or something (as in "drove him to despair"), or to propel something forward (as in "drove a nail"). Beyond its verbal forms, "drove" can also function as a noun, referring to a herd or flock of animals being driven, or a large crowd of people.
This semantic richness allows setters to create clues that are either straightforward or subtly misleading, requiring solvers to consider context carefully. For instance, a clue like "Steered a vehicle" clearly points to the vehicular operation, while "Herded cattle" leans towards the animal-related meaning of the noun. Crossword enthusiasts often find that understanding these nuanced interpretations is key to cracking such clues.
Our solutions above cover the most frequent interpretations found in puzzles, from direct synonyms of operating a vehicle to those implying compulsion or the movement of a group. By examining the length of the required answer and any intersecting letters you've already filled, you can narrow down the possibilities and confidently select the correct "drove" synonym for your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For words like "drove," always think about all possible definitions (verb tenses, nouns, idioms). Crossword setters love to exploit these multiple meanings.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your most reliable guide. If you have an answer that fits perfectly by length, it significantly narrows down options.
- Look at Intersecting Words: The letters already filled in from crossing words are invaluable. They act as checkpoints, eliminating incorrect answers and confirming correct ones.
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Is the clue whimsical, formal, or a direct definition? The tone can sometimes hint at whether a common synonym or a more obscure one is required.
- Practice with Synonyms: Familiarize yourself with common synonyms for frequently appearing words. A robust vocabulary of synonyms and antonyms is a powerful tool for any crossword solver.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common meanings of 'drove' in crosswords?
'Drove' commonly appears in crosswords as the past tense of 'drive' (to operate a vehicle, to propel, or to compel someone), or as a noun referring to a moving crowd or herd of animals. The specific clue context will determine which meaning is intended.
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of 'drove' when solving a crossword?
To pick the correct answer, always pay close attention to the other words in the clue. If the clue mentions vehicles, transport, or direction, think of answers like OPERATED or STEERED. If it hints at animals, a group, or forceful persuasion, consider HERDED or URGED. The letter count is also a vital clue.
Are there common synonyms for 'drove' that often appear in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms for 'drove' in crossword puzzles include RODE, URGED, HERDED, GUIDED, STEERED, PILOTED, and OPERATED. The specific synonym will always depend on the clue's context, the word length, and any intersecting letters you might have already filled in.