nous crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "nous crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle. We've included explanations to ensure you pick the perfect fit!
Solutions for "nous crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
WIT: Quick, incisive humor or intellectual capacity; a sharp mind.
4 Letters
MIND: The element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; intellect or consciousness.
5 Letters
SENSE: Sound practical judgment, common sense, or a keen awareness.
BRAIN: Intellectual capacity; intelligence, often used to refer to a person's smarts or understanding.
6 Letters
ACUMEN: The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain; shrewdness.
SMARTS: Intelligence; practical cleverness (an informal term).
9 Letters
INTELLECT: The faculty of reasoning and understanding, especially as distinguished from feeling and volition; the capacity for thought and knowledge.
More About "nous crossword clue"
"Nous" is a fascinating word often seen in crossword puzzles, originating from ancient Greek philosophy, where it refers to the intellect, mind, or common sense. In modern English and particularly in crossword contexts, it usually signifies practical intelligence, shrewdness, or quick-wittedness. It's the kind of mental sharpness that allows someone to grasp concepts quickly or navigate tricky situations with good judgment.
Because of its nuanced meaning, "nous" can have several synonyms that make for excellent crossword answers. Depending on the length of the required answer, you might find words like WIT, MIND, SENSE, BRAIN, ACUMEN, or SMARTS. Crossword setters love words like "nous" because they allow for a variety of plausible solutions, challenging solvers to think broadly about synonyms and contextual fit within the puzzle.
Understanding the philosophical background of "nous" can sometimes provide a deeper appreciation for the clue, even if it's not strictly necessary for solving. It's a reminder that crosswords often bridge the gap between everyday language and more esoteric knowledge, making them a rich and rewarding mental exercise.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters in the answer you need. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for clues like "nous" that have multiple synonyms.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are your strongest hints and will often eliminate incorrect answers.
- Consider the Tone: Some clues might hint at a more formal or informal answer. For "nous," words like ACUMEN are more formal, while SMARTS is informal. Pay attention to the overall tone of the clue and the puzzle.
- Think of Homophones or Puns: Sometimes clues are tricky wordplay. While "nous" is usually straightforward, always be open to lateral thinking if a common synonym doesn't fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'nous' mean in the context of a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'nous' typically refers to practical intelligence, common sense, shrewdness, or quick wit. It comes from a Greek philosophical term for intellect or mind.
Why are there multiple answers for the same crossword clue?
Crossword clues can be ambiguous or have multiple synonyms, leading to various possible answers depending on the specific puzzle's theme, surrounding letters, or the setter's interpretation. The length of the answer is often the key differentiator.
How can I figure out which 'nous' answer is correct for my puzzle?
The best way is to match the number of letters required by your puzzle. Also, look at any intersecting letters you might already have filled in from other clues. The context of other clues in the puzzle might also hint at whether a more formal or informal synonym is needed.