ilk crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! On this page, you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the clue "ilk crossword clue", ensuring you can quickly complete your puzzle with confidence.
Solutions for "ilk crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KIND: A category of things or persons with common characteristics. This is a very common synonym for 'ilk'.
TYPE: A group of people or things sharing specific characteristics. Often used interchangeably with 'kind' and 'sort'.
SORT: A class or category of people or things. Another frequent answer for 'ilk'.
5 Letters
CLASS: A set or category of things having some property or attribute in common. While broader, it can fit the meaning of 'ilk'.
GENRE: A category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter. Useful if the clue hints at artistic 'ilk'.
8 Letters
CATEGORY: A class or division of people or things regarded as having particular shared characteristics. A more formal and longer synonym for 'ilk'.
More About "ilk crossword clue"
"Ilk" is a concise and somewhat old-fashioned word meaning a particular kind, sort, or category of people or things. In crosswords, it serves as a staple clue because it has several short, common synonyms, making it versatile for setters to fit into grids of various lengths.
Understanding "ilk" is key to unlocking many puzzles. When you encounter this clue, your mind should immediately jump to words like KIND, TYPE, and SORT. The challenge then becomes determining which of these fits the available letters in the grid. Sometimes, the context of the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme might guide you towards a more specific synonym, such as GENRE if the puzzle is about music or literature.
Beyond its crossword utility, 'ilk' is also a word with a unique etymology, deriving from Old English. Its continued presence in crosswords ensures its place in modern vocabulary, even if its everyday usage is less frequent than its synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always look at the surrounding clues and any overarching puzzle themes. For "ilk," if the puzzle is about biology, you might lean towards "SPECIES"; if about music, "GENRE."
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters you need is the most crucial hint. For "ilk," common answers are 4 or 5 letters, so prioritize those if the length fits.
- Cross-Reference: Don't try to solve a clue in isolation. Fill in letters from intersecting words; these will often reveal the correct answer for "ilk" by limiting the possibilities.
- Think Synonyms: For short, common words like "ilk," compile a mental list of strong synonyms (kind, type, sort, class, category, genre).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ilk' mean in crosswords?
'Ilk' is a word often used in crosswords to mean 'type', 'kind', or 'sort'. It refers to a particular class, group, or category of people or things. When you see 'ilk' in a clue, think of synonyms that describe categorization or classification.
How can I find answers for short crossword clues like 'ilk' opportunities?
For short clues like 'ilk', consider common synonyms that are also short. Common answers include KIND, TYPE, and SORT. Also, check the surrounding letters in the puzzle for hints on the required length, and think about the context of the puzzle's theme.
Is 'ilk' a commonly used word outside of crosswords?
While 'ilk' is a legitimate English word, it's considered somewhat formal or archaic in everyday conversation. It is more frequently encountered in written language, particularly in contexts where one might describe 'people of that ilk' or 'things of a certain ilk', meaning 'people/things of that sort or kind'.