auspices crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "auspices crossword," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "auspices crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
OMENS: A sign or warning of what is to come, often related to the future.
8 Letters
GUIDANCE: Direction or advice as to a course of action, often implying supervision or protective care.
PORTENTS: A sign or warning that something momentous is likely to happen, often with a sense of foreboding.
9 Letters
PATRONAGE: The support, encouragement, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows on another.
More About "auspices crossword"
The word "auspices" in a crossword puzzle typically points to concepts of protection, sponsorship, or prophetic signs. Derived from the Latin "auspicium," meaning "observation of birds," it originally referred to Roman diviners who interpreted omens from the flight of birds to predict future events or approve undertakings. This historical context explains why answers like "omens" or "portents" are common.
Beyond the ancient practice, "auspices" also evolved to mean protection or support given by a person or organization. When something is done "under the auspices of" someone or an organization, it means with their approval, guidance, or sponsorship. This usage makes words such as "guidance" or "patronage" highly relevant answers in a crossword grid, depending on the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends.
Understanding these dual meanings—both the predictive and the supportive—is key to unlocking the correct solution for "auspices" in any crossword puzzle. Always consider the length of the required answer and any intersecting letters to narrow down the possibilities effectively.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always confirm the exact number of letters in the answer grid before trying to fit a word. This is the first and most crucial step in narrowing down possibilities.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Use the letters you've already filled in from crossing words as clues. Even one confirmed letter can often reveal the correct answer, especially for trickier words like "auspices."
- Consider Synonyms and Context: For clues with multiple meanings (like "auspices"), think about all possible synonyms related to each definition. Is the puzzle leaning towards prophetic signs, or is it about support and sponsorship?
- Think About Word Origins: For more complex or classical words, a brief thought about their etymology can sometimes reveal the intended meaning or a direct answer. "Auspices" is a prime example where its Latin root informs its common crossword answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'auspices' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'auspices' typically refers to protective care, sponsorship, or a divine or prophetic sign of future events. It often hints at words like 'guidance', 'patronage', 'omens', or 'portents'.
How can I determine the correct answer for 'auspices' if there are multiple options?
To find the correct answer, check the number of letters required by the puzzle. Also, examine intersecting words (crosses) to see which letters match. Sometimes, the specific nuance of the clue or the puzzle's theme can also provide hints.
Are 'auspices' and 'omens' related?
Yes, 'auspices' originally referred to the observation of birds by augurs to predict the future (omens). Therefore, 'omens' is a very common and direct related answer to 'auspices' in many crossword puzzles, referring to the prophetic aspect of the word.