ached crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "ached crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "ached crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HURT: A common and direct synonym for 'ached', indicating physical discomfort or injury.
SORE: Describes a dull, often persistent pain, typically from overuse, strain, or inflammation.
6 Letters
PAINED: The past tense of the verb 'to pain', meaning to cause or feel physical or emotional suffering.
7 Letters
SMARTED: To feel a sharp, stinging, or burning pain, often associated with a wound or a quick, acute ache.
8 Letters
THROBBED: Refers to an ache that pulsates rhythmically, often accompanied by a sensation of swelling or pressure, common in headaches or injuries.
More About "ached crossword clue"
The clue "ached" often appears in crosswords to describe a past state of physical discomfort. It's a versatile word that can have several synonyms, which makes it a frequent contender for various grid lengths. When you encounter "ached," think about the different ways a body part might hurt, from a dull, continuous pain to a sharp, sudden one.
Crossword setters love words like "ached" because they allow for a range of answers depending on the context provided by other clues or the number of letters. For instance, a simple "ache" might be "hurt" or "sore," while a more specific "aching sensation" might lead to "throbbed" or "pained." Always consider the exact wording of the clue and how it might hint at a particular intensity or type of pain.
Beyond physical pain, "ached" can sometimes subtly refer to emotional longing or sorrow, as in "my heart ached for home." While less common in general crossword puzzles for this specific clue, it's a good reminder to always think broadly about word meanings in more advanced crosswords. For standard puzzles, however, physical discomfort is almost always the intended meaning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Before anything else, always count the number of squares provided in the grid for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options significantly, especially for common words like "ached."
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes, the clue itself provides more context than just the single word. For "ached," consider if there's an adjective (e.g., "aching joint") or a verb form implied (e.g., "felt pain," suggesting past tense).
- Consider Nuances of Pain: Different words describe different kinds of aches. "Sore" implies a dull, continuous ache, "throbbed" suggests a pulsating one, and "smarted" a sharp, stinging pain. Match the likely intensity or quality of the ache to the synonym.
- Check Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is to see if its letters fit with the intersecting words. If a letter doesn't make sense for a crossing clue, your chosen answer for "ached" might be incorrect.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the correct answer for 'ached' if multiple options fit?
Consider the number of letters required by the grid. Also, check surrounding letters if already filled in, as this can often narrow down the possibilities. Sometimes, the specific nuance of the ache (e.g., throbbing vs. a general soreness) can guide you.
What's the difference between 'ached' and 'pained' in crossword terms?
'Ached' describes a continuous, dull pain, while 'pained' can be more general, referring to the act of causing or feeling pain, often with a more acute or distressing connotation. In crosswords, they are often interchangeable depending on the letter count and context.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes related to 'ached' in crosswords?
While 'ached' itself is a past tense verb, variations like 'aching' (present participle) or related words like 'painful' (adjective) might appear. Look for clues that imply duration or intensity, which might lead to answers like 'throbbed' or 'smarted'.