crossword clue minute – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling a crossword and the clue is "minute", you've landed on the perfect page. This word is a classic example of a homograph, boasting multiple meanings that crossword setters love to play with. We've compiled all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and back to enjoying your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue minute" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TINY: Often used as an adjective meaning extremely small, which aligns with one pronunciation of 'minute'.
5 Letters
SMALL: Another common synonym for 'tiny', referring to something of restricted size.
6 Letters
RECORD: This refers to 'minutes' as the official notes or a summary of proceedings from a meeting.
MOMENT: Used as a noun, this signifies a very brief period of time, akin to 'a minute' in a temporal sense.
7 Letters
INSTANT: Similar to 'moment', describing an extremely short space of time.
8 Letters
DETAILED: When 'minute' is used as an adjective to describe an inspection or examination, it means precise or thorough.
More About "crossword clue minute"
The word "minute" is a crossword setter's favorite due to its homographic nature – it has two distinct pronunciations and multiple meanings, making it ripe for clever clueing and misdirection. As an adjective (pronounced my-NOOT), it means extremely small, tiny, or precise. As a noun (pronounced MIN-it), it can refer to a unit of time (sixty seconds) or the official record of a meeting's proceedings (the 'minutes'). Understanding these different facets is crucial to deciphering the crossword clue.
Crossword constructors often exploit this duality. A clue like "Tiny" might lead you to 'MINUTE' (as in very small), while "Meeting notes" points directly to 'MINUTES'. If the clue hints at time, 'MOMENT' or 'INSTANT' are strong contenders. The key is to consider the context of the clue and the number of letters in the answer slot. The most common trick is to use one meaning to mislead you from another, so always keep all interpretations in mind when this word appears.
Whether you're looking for a measurement of time, a tiny detail, or official documentation, "minute" can fit the bill. Our list above provides the most common solutions you'll encounter for this versatile clue, ensuring you're prepared for any puzzle thrown your way.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For words like "minute" with multiple pronunciations and meanings, always list them out. Is it 'my-NOOT' (tiny, detailed) or 'MIN-it' (time, meeting notes)? This immediately broadens your options.
- Check Letter Count First: Before diving deep into synonyms, see how many letters the answer needs. This will instantly eliminate many possibilities and narrow down your focus to specific meaning categories.
- Look for Part of Speech: Is the clue asking for a noun, adjective, or verb? The grammar of the clue often dictates the grammar of the answer, providing another valuable hint for ambiguous words like "minute."
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: If you have a few letters from crossing words, use them to test potential answers. Sometimes, one correct letter can reveal which meaning of "minute" the setter intended.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'minute' have so many different meanings in crosswords?
The word 'minute' is a homograph, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings and pronunciations depending on context. In crosswords, setters often exploit this ambiguity, using one meaning (e.g., 'tiny') to clue another (e.g., 'a small moment in time' or 'meeting notes'). This makes it a popular clue for misdirection.
How can I tell which meaning of 'minute' the clue refers to?
Context is key. Look at the clue's surrounding words for hints. Is it an adjective (e.g., 'minute detail') suggesting 'tiny' or 'detailed'? Is it a noun (e.g., 'meeting minute') suggesting 'record'? Is it used with 'a' or 'the' to imply a unit of time (e.g., 'just a minute') suggesting 'moment' or 'instant'? The length of the answer slot also helps narrow down possibilities.
Are there common tricks associated with the clue 'minute'?
Yes, 'minute' is a classic misdirection clue. Crossword setters love to use its dual pronunciation and multiple meanings. Be wary if you're stuck; try thinking of its other definitions – tiny, a unit of time, or meeting notes – and consider synonyms for each of those meanings. Often, if you're thinking 'tiny,' the answer might be related to 'time,' and vice versa.