french farewell crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! You're looking for solutions to the popular clue "french farewell crossword clue". We've got you covered with the most accurate answers and detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and easily.
Solutions for "french farewell crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ADIEU: The classic French word for "goodbye," commonly used in English as a formal or final farewell. This is the most frequent answer for this clue.
6 Letters
ADIEUS: The plural form of "adieu," referring to multiple farewells or goodbyes. This might appear if the puzzle hints at more than one farewell.
More About "french farewell crossword clue"
The clue "french farewell" almost exclusively points to the word "ADIEU" in the vast majority of crosswords. This is due to its direct translation and its common adoption into the English language, making it a perfect fit for a concise, single-word answer. While French has other farewell phrases like "Au revoir" or "Bon voyage," they are multi-word expressions and would typically be clued differently or require a specific number of letters for each word.
Understanding these common foreign language terms is a staple in crossword solving. "ADIEU" originates from the Old French phrase "à Dieu," meaning "to God," signifying a farewell where one commends the departed to God. Its usage often implies a finality or a prolonged separation, more so than a casual "goodbye."
Its frequent appearance in puzzles makes it a must-know for any regular crossword solver. When you encounter "french farewell" or similar clues like "French goodbye," "Parisian parting," or "Sayonara's French cousin," "ADIEU" should be your first thought, especially if a five-letter slot is available.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Letter Count Hints: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is your primary guide, especially for foreign words, as it can narrow down possibilities instantly. For "french farewell", if it's 5 letters, "ADIEU" is almost a certainty.
- Consider Common Foreign Words: Crosswords frequently use short, common foreign words or phrases that have entered the English lexicon. French, Latin, and Italian terms are very popular. Keep a mental list of these, such as 'ADIEU', 'AMOUR', 'ETRE', 'ERGO', 'ITALIC', 'OMNI', etc.
- Check for Plurals: If an answer doesn't quite fit but is close, consider if it's a plural form. For example, if 'ADIEU' doesn't fit a 6-letter slot, 'ADIEUS' might be the solution, indicating multiple farewells.
- Use Cross-References: Don't try to solve each clue in isolation. Once you've filled in a few answers, use the intersecting letters to help deduce the remaining words. This is particularly useful when you're unsure about a foreign word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'adieu' mean?
'Adieu' is a French word meaning 'farewell' or 'goodbye'. It is often used in English in a more formal or final sense than 'goodbye'.
Are there other French farewells used in crosswords?
While 'ADIEU' is the most common single-word answer, other phrases like 'AU REVOIR' (until we meet again) or 'BON VOYAGE' (have a good trip) are French farewells. However, they are typically two words and less likely to be clued as a single-word answer in standard crosswords unless specified.
How can I remember French words for crosswords?
Practice is key! Familiarize yourself with common foreign language terms that frequently appear in crosswords, especially short ones. Creating flashcards or using language learning apps for these specific words can be very helpful. Pay attention to context and letter count in the clue.