explain at length crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving those tricky crossword clues! On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "explain at length". Whether you're stuck on a daily puzzle or a challenging cryptic, we've got you covered with solutions of various lengths and detailed insights.
Solutions for "explain at length crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
DILATE: To speak or write at length on a subject, expanding upon it.
DETAIL: To give full and comprehensive information about something.
7 Letters
EXPOUND: To present and explain a theory or idea in detail.
9 Letters
ELABORATE: To explain in detail or add more information, often extensively.
More About "explain at length crossword clue"
The clue "explain at length" is a common type found in crossword puzzles, prompting solvers to think of words that mean to provide a detailed, comprehensive, or extended explanation. It pushes beyond simple synonyms for "explain" and looks for nuances of thoroughness or verbosity. This type of clue often leads to answers that are verbs describing communication, articulation, or elucidation.
Crossword setters love clues like this because they allow for multiple potential answers depending on the required letter count and the specific context. Understanding the subtle differences between words like 'ELABORATE' (to add more detail), 'EXPOUND' (to explain a theory or idea formally), and 'DILATE' (to speak extensively, sometimes in a winding manner) is crucial. Recognizing these distinctions can save you time and help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Sometimes, the key to solving "explain at length" lies in considering less common meanings of words. As seen with 'DILATE', a word primarily known for its physical meaning can have a secondary, often older, meaning perfectly fitting a crossword clue. Always be open to exploring the full semantic range of words when a direct synonym doesn't fit the letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always verify the number of letters in the answer you're considering against the grid. This is the simplest way to confirm a fit.
- Consider Alternative Meanings: Many crossword clues, especially those involving common phrases, often point to less common or archaic meanings of words. If your first thought doesn't fit, think outside the box.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: Use letters from already solved intersecting words to narrow down possibilities. If only one letter is present, it can still dramatically reduce the number of potential answers.
- Break Down the Clue: For phrases like "explain at length," consider each word. "Explain" points to a verb, and "at length" indicates thoroughness or extensiveness.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "explain at length" typically mean in crosswords?
It often indicates a word meaning to provide a detailed, thorough, or expanded explanation of something, going beyond a brief summary. Look for verbs that imply extending or detailing a concept.
Are there common word patterns for "explain at length"?
Answers usually involve verbs that describe detailed communication, like 'ELABORATE', 'EXPOUND', 'DILATE', or 'AMPLIFY'. The length varies, so checking other intersecting letters is key to narrowing down possibilities.
Why is "DILATE" an answer for "explain at length"?
While 'dilate' commonly means to expand physically, it also has an older, less common meaning: to speak or write at length or in detail on a subject. This double meaning is a classic trick in crossword puzzles to test solvers' vocabulary depth.