alas crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for cracking that tricky "alas crossword clue"! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you understand why each answer fits. Let's solve your puzzle together!
Solutions for "alas crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
WOE: An exclamation of grief or distress, often used as a direct interjection of sorrow.
4 Letters
PITY: A feeling of sorrow and compassion for others, frequently expressed as an interjection of regret.
5 Letters
ALACK: An archaic interjection expressing sorrow, regret, or dismay, a direct and common synonym for "alas" in crosswords.
SADLY: An adverb used to express sorrow or regret, often at the beginning of a sentence describing an unfortunate event.
More About "alas crossword clue"
"Alas" is a classic crossword clue, often appearing in puzzles for its concise yet evocative meaning. It's an interjection used to express sorrow, regret, or concern, making it a fertile ground for synonyms and related concepts in crossword grids. Recognizing "alas" as a clue immediately signals the need for a word that conveys a sense of lament or unfortunate truth.
Common answers for "alas" often lean towards archaic terms like "alack," which is almost exclusively found in crosswords or older literature, or more contemporary expressions of sadness or disappointment. Crossword setters love "alas" because it allows for a range of answers, from direct synonyms to adverbs that convey a similar emotional tone, making solvers think broadly about vocabulary related to regret and sorrow.
When you encounter "alas" in a puzzle, consider the number of letters and think about words that could complete phrases like "what a ____" or simply convey an unfortunate situation. It's a prime example of how crosswords test not just knowledge, but also an understanding of word nuances and historical usage.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonymously: For clues like "alas," always consider direct synonyms, even if they're archaic or less common in modern speech.
- Consider Adverbs of Regret: Sometimes the clue isn't a direct synonym but an adverb that expresses a similar sentiment, like SADLY.
- Check Letter Count First: Always cross-reference the clue with the available letter slots. This often narrows down possibilities significantly.
- Look for Interjections: "Alas" is an interjection, so look for other words that function similarly in speech to express emotion.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "alas" mean in a crossword?
In crosswords, "alas" typically clues interjections or adverbs expressing regret, sorrow, or dismay. Common answers include synonyms like WOE, ALACK, PITY, or SADLY, reflecting a sense of unfortunate truth or lament.
Are archaic words common in crossword clues?
Yes, archaic words like "alas" and its direct synonym "alack" are very common in crosswords. They often serve as specific, concise clues that point to older or less frequently used vocabulary, testing a solver's breadth of language knowledge and familiarity with common "crosswordese".
How can I improve my vocabulary for crossword puzzles?
To improve your crossword vocabulary, try reading widely, especially classic literature which often uses words like "alas." Familiarize yourself with common crosswordese (words frequently used in puzzles), learn prefixes, suffixes, and common foreign phrases, and practice regularly with a variety of puzzles to recognize patterns and common clue types. Paying attention to synonyms and antonyms is also very helpful.