compass point crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "compass point crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by their letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "compass point crossword clue" by Letter Count
1 Letters
N: A common single-letter abbreviation for the North compass point.
S: Abbreviation for the South compass point.
E: Represents the East direction on a compass.
W: The single letter abbreviation for West.
2 Letters
NE: Represents the Northeast direction on a compass, an intermediate point.
SW: Abbreviation for Southwest, another intercardinal direction.
SE: Indicates the Southeast compass point.
NW: Refers to the Northwest direction.
4 Letters
EAST: One of the four cardinal directions, representing the direction of the rising sun.
WEST: The cardinal direction opposite of East.
5 Letters
NORTH: The primary cardinal direction, pointing towards the Earth's geographic North Pole.
SOUTH: The cardinal direction opposite of North.
8 Letters
CARDINAL: Refers to one of the four main compass points: North, South, East, West.
More About "compass point crossword clue"
Compass points are fundamental concepts in navigation, geography, and of course, crosswords. They represent directions relative to the Earth's magnetic or geographic poles. The four primary points are North, South, East, and West, often referred to as cardinal directions. Understanding these, along with their abbreviations and the intermediate (intercardinal) points like Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest, is crucial for solving many crossword clues.
Crossword setters often use these terms in clever ways. A clue like "22.5 degrees East of North" might lead to a specific compass point or a related concept. Alternatively, a simple "W" might be clued as "A compass point" or "Direction toward the sunset." Familiarity with both the full names and their single or double-letter abbreviations will give you a significant advantage in tackling such puzzles.
Beyond literal directions, "compass point" can sometimes lead to answers related to guidance, orientation, or even metaphorical 'points' in a journey or discussion. Always consider the context of the clue and the number of letters required when pondering potential solutions.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Before you even start thinking of answers, always check the number of letters required. This instantly narrows down your options significantly, especially for common clues like compass points.
- Think of Abbreviations: Many common terms, especially in navigation and geography, have standard abbreviations. For compass points, single letters (N, S, E, W) and two-letter combinations (NE, SW) are very common crossword answers.
- Consider Synonyms & Related Concepts: Sometimes a clue isn't direct. "Compass point" might lead to "DIRECTION," "BEARING," or even "COURSE" depending on the context and letter count. Expand your vocabulary around the core concept.
- Use Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in from other clues. Even one letter can often confirm a suspected compass point answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four main compass points?
The four main compass points, also known as cardinal directions, are North, South, East, and West. They are fundamental in navigation and frequently appear as answers in crosswords, often in their abbreviated forms.
How can knowing compass points help with crosswords?
Clues related to compass points often test your knowledge of abbreviations (e.g., N, S, E, W, NE, SW), synonyms for directions, or geographical terms. Recognizing these patterns and their common short forms can quickly lead to solutions, especially for shorter word lengths.
Are there other types of compass points in crosswords besides the main four?
Yes, besides the cardinal directions, crosswords frequently use the intercardinal (or ordinal) points like Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), and Northwest (NW). Sometimes, a clue might even refer to 'true north' or 'magnetic north' for more specific answers.