having a will crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving the clue 'having a will crossword'. We provide comprehensive answers for all lengths, along with explanations to help you understand the nuances. Dive in and complete your puzzle!
Solutions for "having a will crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FIRM: Exhibiting strong resolve or an unyielding nature, indicating a strong will.
7 Letters
TESTATE: The most direct answer, meaning having made a valid will before death.
WILLFUL: Having a strong and often stubborn determination to do as one pleases.
8 Letters
RESOLUTE: Firm in purpose or belief; determined; having a strong will.
10 Letters
DETERMINED: Having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it; showing strong will.
More About "having a will crossword"
The clue "having a will" is a classic example of a crossword setter's playful use of language, leveraging the dual meanings of the word 'will'. On one hand, it refers to the legal document, a testament to one's final wishes. On the other, it describes a personal trait – a strong resolve, determination, or mental fortitude.
When encountering such a clue, experienced solvers often consider both interpretations. Answers related to the legal aspect, such as TESTATE, are quite specific. However, if the letter count or intersecting letters don't fit, shifting focus to synonyms for 'determined' or 'resolute' can open up other possibilities like FIRM, RESOLUTE, or DETERMINED.
Understanding this flexibility in meaning is key to cracking many crossword puzzles. Always keep an open mind about a word's different definitions, especially when a clue seems straightforward but doesn't immediately yield an obvious answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Embrace Ambiguity: Always consider multiple meanings of a word. For 'will', think both legal documents and personal resolve, as setters love to use puns and double meanings.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: If you have a few letters from crossing words, they can quickly narrow down the possibilities for ambiguous clues like this one, guiding you to the correct interpretation.
- Context is King: Look at the other clues in the puzzle. Sometimes, the overall theme or a related clue can subtly hint at whether the puzzle leans towards legal terms or descriptive adjectives.
- Come Back to It: Don't be afraid to leave a tricky clue and return later. Often, solving surrounding clues will reveal crucial letters that make the "having a will" clue suddenly obvious.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "having a will" typically mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "having a will" often refers to someone who has prepared a legal document (a will) before their death, with the answer being TESTATE. However, it can also refer to someone possessing strong determination or resolve, leading to answers like RESOLUTE or DETERMINED.
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of "will" in a crossword clue?
Pay close attention to the letter count and any intersecting letters you already have. If it's a short word, it might be FIRM. If it's longer, TESTATE (7 letters) points to the legal meaning, while RESOLUTE (8 letters) or DETERMINED (10 letters) point to the 'strong will' meaning. The overall theme of the puzzle can also offer hints.
Are there common tricks crossword setters use with the word "will"?
Yes, setters frequently play on the dual meaning of 'will' – the legal document versus personal resolve. They might also use synonyms for the verb 'to will' (e.g., 'to bequeath' or 'to desire') if the clue is phrased differently, so always consider all grammatical forms and definitions.