love nyt crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the New York Times crossword and got stuck on the clue "love", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "love nyt crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NIL: This is a very common crossword answer for "love" when referring to a score of zero in tennis, derived from the French "l'oeuf" (the egg).
OWE: Another tennis-related answer. While 'love' typically means zero, 'owe' can sometimes be a clever misdirection for a similar clue context, or a very rare, indirect connection if referring to a debt of gratitude or affection.
4 Letters
AMOR: Often used for "love" as the Roman god of love, or the personification of romantic love itself. A frequent answer in mythology-themed clues.
EROS: The Greek god of passionate love and desire. Similar to AMOR, this is a common mythological answer for "love" related clues.
LIKE: While not as strong as "love," "like" can be an answer when the clue is looking for a less intense form of affection or preference, often seen in more abstract or tricky clues.
5 Letters
ADORE: A strong verb meaning to love and respect deeply, often used for "love" in the context of worship or profound admiration.
9 Letters
AFFECTION: A general term for a gentle feeling of fondness or liking, often used when "love" is clued as a noun describing a warm, tender feeling.
More About "love nyt crossword clue"
"Love" is one of those deceptively simple words that can have a surprisingly complex array of meanings in the world of crosswords, especially in a prestigious puzzle like the New York Times. Its most notorious usage is perhaps its role as a score in tennis, where "love" signifies zero. This idiosyncratic use often catches new solvers off guard, but quickly becomes a familiar concept to seasoned solvers.
Beyond the tennis court, "love" can manifest in puzzles through its mythological representations (Amor, Eros), as a verb denoting strong affection (adore, cherish), or as a noun describing a profound emotion (affection, fondness). The beauty of crossword construction lies in how constructors play with these various definitions, sometimes hinting at one interpretation while subtly allowing for another, forcing solvers to consider all angles and letter counts.
The NYT crossword, known for its clever wordplay and diverse clueing, leverages the multifaceted nature of "love" to create challenging yet fair puzzles. Understanding these different facets – from the sporting term to the emotional bond to the mythological figure – is crucial for efficiently solving clues related to this fundamental human experience.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For common words like "love," always think beyond the primary definition. Does it have a specific meaning in sports, mythology, or a less common idiom?
- Check Letter Count First: Before anything else, see how many letters the answer needs. This immediately narrows down your options. "Love" as NIL (3 letters) is very different from AFFECTION (9 letters).
- Look at Intersecting Words: The most powerful tool in your arsenal. Don't force an answer if it doesn't fit with the letters you already have from crossing clues. The intersecting letters are your strongest validation.
- Identify the Part of Speech: Is the clue asking for a noun, a verb, or an adjective? "Love" can be all three. A clue like "Hold dear" points to a verb (ADORE), while "Tennis score" points to a noun (NIL).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "love" sometimes mean zero in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'love' frequently refers to a score of zero in tennis. This unique usage comes from the French phrase 'l'oeuf' (meaning 'the egg'), which sounds similar to 'love' and symbolizes zero due to its egg-like shape.
Are there common Roman or Greek gods of love that appear in crossword answers?
Yes, 'AMOR' (the Roman god of love, often associated with Cupid) and 'EROS' (the Greek god of passionate love) are very common answers in crosswords when the clue relates to mythological love figures.
How can I distinguish between similar 'love' clues in the NYT crossword?
Context is key! If the clue hints at sports, think 'NIL' or 'OWE'. For strong affection or worship, consider verbs like 'ADORE' or 'CHERISH'. If it's a noun for a feeling, 'AFFECTION' or 'FONDNESS' might fit. Always check the number of letters and how the word intersects with other answers.