ancient crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "ancient crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions and explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Below you'll find answers broken down by their letter count, along with helpful insights.
Solutions for "ancient crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OLD: This is a very direct and common answer for "ancient," signifying something that has existed for a long time. It can refer to the age of the clue itself or the concept it describes.
4 Letters
HINT: While 'ancient' might seem to modify 'clue', 'clue' itself often points to 'HINT' in crosswords. This answer focuses on the 'clue' aspect, providing a general term for a puzzle prompt.
AGED: A strong synonym for 'ancient', referring to something that has matured or existed for a considerable period. This often appears in clues related to time or history.
5 Letters
RELIC: An object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or religious interest. In a metaphorical sense, an 'ancient clue' could be a relic of past puzzle styles or knowledge.
6 Letters
ARCANE: This word means mysterious or secret, known only to a few. It often carries a connotation of being ancient or obscure, making it a fitting answer for a difficult or particularly 'ancient' clue.
More About "ancient crossword clue"
The phrase "ancient crossword clue" can be interpreted in several fascinating ways within the world of puzzles. It might refer to a clue whose subject matter is from antiquity, such as a famous Roman emperor, a mythical Greek god, or an archaeological site. Alternatively, it could describe a clue written in an archaic style, using words or phrases no longer common in everyday language but once prevalent in older crosswords.
Another interpretation is that the clue itself is a classic, foundational clue that has appeared in crosswords for decades, almost like a "relic" of puzzle history. Understanding which nuance the puzzle setter intends is key to unlocking the correct answer. Often, the surrounding letters or the theme of the puzzle can provide valuable context to guide your choice.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze each word: Break down clues like "ancient crossword clue" into their individual components ("ancient" and "crossword clue") and consider synonyms for each part separately.
- Consider historical context: If "ancient" is truly part of the meaning, think about terms, people, or places from ancient history that fit the letter count.
- Look for "Crosswordese": Crosswords often reuse certain words that aren't common in daily conversation (e.g., 'ERE', 'OLLA', 'ELI'). Many of these have an "ancient" or archaic feel.
- Check common abbreviations: Sometimes "ancient" might lead to an old-fashioned abbreviation.
- Use online resources wisely: If truly stuck, a quick search for the clue can provide a nudge, but try to deduce it first to improve your skills.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crossword clue 'ancient'?
A crossword clue can be considered 'ancient' in a few ways: it might refer to a subject from ancient history or mythology, use archaic language or an old-fashioned term, or be a classic, frequently used clue from older crossword puzzle eras.
How do you solve a particularly old or obscure crossword clue?
To solve old or obscure clues, try to think of synonyms for each word in the clue, consider historical contexts, look for common crosswordese (words frequently used in puzzles regardless of common usage), and don't hesitate to use a thesaurus or an online crossword solver.
Are there common 'ancient' words or phrases used in crosswords?
Yes, crosswords often feature words like 'ERE' (before), 'EON' (long period of time), 'DEEM' (consider), 'YE' (you, archaic), 'THOU' (you, archaic), and references to ancient gods (e.g., 'OSIRIS', 'RA') or historical figures. Familiarity with these can greatly aid in solving 'ancient' clues.