de plume crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "de plume crossword," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently. Dive in to find your solution!
Solutions for "de plume crossword" by Letter Count
7 Letters
PENNAME: An assumed name used by a writer instead of their real name. This is a common synonym for 'nom de plume' and fits many crossword grids.
9 Letters
PSEUDONYM: A fictitious name, especially one used by an author. While broader than 'pen name,' it's a valid answer for 'de plume' in some contexts, particularly if the puzzle indicates a more general term.
10 Letters
NOMDEPLUME: This is the direct French term for a 'pen name,' literally meaning 'name of the pen.' It's often written as one word in crosswords and is the most precise answer for this clue.
More About "de plume crossword"
The clue "de plume crossword" is a classic for a reason: it's a foreign phrase that has become commonly understood in English, particularly within literary circles. A "nom de plume" (often rendered as NOMDEPLUME in crosswords, without spaces) refers to a pen name or an assumed name under which an author writes. This practice dates back centuries, used by writers for various reasons, including gender concealment (e.g., George Eliot, born Mary Ann Evans), avoiding scandal, writing in multiple genres without confusing readers, or simply for a more appealing or memorable name.
Understanding this concept is key to solving the clue. The solutions provided, such as PENNAME and PSEUDONYM, are direct synonyms or broader terms that encompass the idea of writing under an assumed identity. Crossword constructors love this clue because it allows for multiple correct answers based on letter count, testing a solver's vocabulary and general knowledge of literary conventions. When you see "de plume," always consider the exact letter count required by the grid first, then think of the most direct and common English equivalents.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Before committing to an answer like NOMDEPLUME, PENNAME, or PSEUDONYM, always double-check the exact number of spaces available in the grid. This is crucial as the clue allows for multiple answers of different lengths.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Crosswords are about interlocking words. If you're unsure between two possible answers for "de plume," try to solve an intersecting clue first. The letters revealed will often confirm which answer is correct.
- Consider the Puzzle's Theme or Style: Some crosswords lean more towards formal language, while others might prefer modern or colloquial terms. While "de plume" is quite standard, understanding the puzzle's general tone can sometimes offer a subtle hint towards the most fitting answer (e.g., favoring PENNAME for a more accessible puzzle).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "de plume" mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "de plume" is a French phrase that translates to "of pen" or "pen name." It directly refers to an assumed name used by a writer, often to protect their identity, to appear more professional, or to write in a different genre. The most common answer is usually NOMDEPLUME, but synonyms like PENNAME or PSEUDONYM are also possible.
Are there common alternative answers for "de plume" in crossword puzzles?
Yes, while NOMDEPLUME is the primary answer, you might also encounter PENNAME (a direct English equivalent) or PSEUDONYM (a more general term for a false name) depending on the number of letters required and other intersecting clues in the puzzle. Always consider the letter count and surrounding clues.
Why is "nom de plume" a popular crossword clue?
The term "nom de plume" is popular in crosswords because it's a slightly sophisticated, foreign phrase with a distinct meaning that has well-known synonyms. This allows for clues that test vocabulary and knowledge of literary terms, offering various answer lengths (NOMDEPLUME, PENNAME, PSEUDONYM) that fit different puzzle structures.