leaves crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "leaves crossword clue," you've come to the right place. This word can be tricky due to its multiple meanings, but we've compiled a list of the most common solutions to help you complete your puzzle. Dive into our comprehensive list of answers and their explanations below.

Solutions for "leaves crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

GOES: Departs; moves away from a place.

5 Letters

EXITS: Leaves a building or area; departs.

PAGES: The individual sheets of paper in a book.

7 Letters

FOLIAGE: The collective leaves of plants.

8 Letters

ABANDONS: To leave completely and forever; to give up entirely.

More About "leaves crossword clue"

The word "leaves" is a classic example of a homograph in the English language, meaning it is spelled the same but has different meanings and sometimes even different pronunciations (though not in this case, making it particularly potent for crosswords). As a verb, it signifies departure or abandonment, as seen in answers like GOES, EXITS, or ABANDONS. As a plural noun, it refers to the green parts of plants (FOLIAGE) or the sheets of paper in a book (PAGES).

This ambiguity is precisely what makes "leaves" such a common and effective clue in crossword puzzles. Solvers must rely heavily on the number of letters, the context provided by surrounding clues, and any thematic elements of the puzzle to deduce the correct interpretation. Recognizing this dual nature is the first step to conquering this type of clue, transforming a potential roadblock into a satisfying "aha!" moment.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'leaves' have so many different answers in crosswords?

The word 'leaves' is highly ambiguous in English, serving as both a plural noun (e.g., foliage, pages of a book) and a verb (e.g., departs, abandons). Crossword setters often exploit this polysemy to create challenging clues that require solvers to consider the context carefully.

How can I determine if 'leaves' refers to foliage or departure in a crossword?

The key is context. Look at the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues. Also, consider the overall theme of the puzzle or the specific constructor's style. For example, if other clues are nature-related, 'FOLIAGE' might be more likely. If they're action-oriented, 'EXITS' or 'GOES' could fit.

Are there other common ambiguous words like 'leaves' in crosswords?

Yes, many! Words like 'bank' (river bank vs. financial institution), 'bar' (legal profession vs. place to drink vs. metal rod), 'light' (illumination vs. not heavy), and 'rose' (flower vs. stood up) are frequently used to create clever, multi-faceted clues that test a solver's vocabulary and lateral thinking.