crossword clue roughly – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving even the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "roughly," covering all possible word lengths and providing helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills!
Solutions for "crossword clue roughly" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ABOUT: A very common answer for 'roughly', indicating an estimation or a general idea without precision. Often used for numbers, times, or topics.
CIRCA: A Latin term meaning 'around' or 'about', used almost exclusively when referring to approximate dates or historical periods.
6 Letters
NEARLY: Suggests being very close to something, often a quantity, state, or completion, but not quite there.
APPROX: A widely used abbreviation for 'approximately', indicating an estimated value rather than an exact one.
AROUND: Similar in meaning to 'about', used for approximate numbers, locations, or times.
7 Letters
LOOSELY: Implies something is not precise, exact, or strictly defined. Can refer to interpretations or connections.
8 Letters
SOMEWHAT: To a certain, typically moderate, extent or degree. Not entirely but not insignificantly.
BALLPARK: A more informal term, often used in phrases like 'ballpark figure', meaning an approximate estimate.
10 Letters
MOREORLESS: An idiomatic phrase meaning approximately, almost, or to a certain degree, allowing for minor inaccuracies.
13 Letters
APPROXIMATELY: The full form of 'approx', meaning very close to the actual, true, or exact amount or value.
More About "crossword clue roughly"
"Roughly" is a staple in the crossword world due to its versatility and the plethora of synonyms it offers. It's one of those clues that can span a wide range of letter counts, from short, common words like 'ABOUT' or 'NEARLY' to longer, more formal terms like 'APPROXIMATELY'. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms is key to mastering such clues. For instance, 'CIRCA' is almost exclusively for dates, while 'BALLPARK' is more colloquial.
When you encounter 'roughly' in a crossword, always consider the surrounding context. Is it an adverb modifying a verb? Is it part of a phrase? Its usage often hints at the precise nuance required for the answer. Setters love to play with words that have multiple interpretations, and 'roughly' fits this bill perfectly, sometimes referring to texture (e.g., 'coarsely'), but most often to estimation.
Developing a strong vocabulary of synonyms for approximation will significantly improve your solving speed for these types of clues. Pay attention to how different publications or setters tend to clue 'roughly'; some might prefer formal synonyms, while others lean towards more casual or even abbreviated forms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always look at the surrounding letters and the theme of the puzzle. An answer like 'CIRCA' will almost certainly appear in a historical context, whereas 'BALLPARK' might suggest a more business-related or informal theme.
- Check Word Length: This is fundamental. If you're stuck between 'ABOUT' (5 letters) and 'NEARLY' (6 letters), the number of blanks in your grid is your definitive guide. Our answer groups are specifically designed to help with this!
- Consider Parts of Speech: 'Roughly' is an adverb. Ensure your chosen answer is also an adverb, or can function as one in the context of the clue. This helps eliminate answers that might be synonyms but are of a different grammatical class.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, 'roughly' isn't about estimation, but about texture or manner. Though less common for this clue, always keep an open mind for alternative meanings if the common synonyms don't fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for 'roughly'?
The clue 'roughly' is a common synonym in crosswords because it has many words that convey a similar meaning of estimation, approximation, or imprecision. Crossword setters often use these synonyms to vary the difficulty and word length, challenging solvers to think broadly about related terms.
How can I distinguish between answers like 'about' and 'nearly'?
While both imply approximation, 'ABOUT' often suggests a general range or topic (e.g., 'about 100 people'), while 'NEARLY' typically indicates being very close to a specific point or outcome (e.g., 'nearly finished'). In crosswords, the surrounding letters and the overall theme of the puzzle usually provide crucial hints to narrow down the correct choice.
Are there any common crossword tricks related to 'roughly'?
Yes, 'roughly' can sometimes be clued as an anagram indicator, meaning the letters of another word need to be 'roughed up' or rearranged. It can also appear as part of a phrase, like 'roughly speaking', which might lead to an adverbial answer. Always consider the word's part of speech and whether it implies an estimate or a lack of precision.