most important thing nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the New York Times crossword clue "most important thing," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "most important thing nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CORE: The central, innermost, or most essential part of anything. Often used to describe the fundamental element or essence of a concept or object.
5 Letters
HEART: The central or innermost part of something, often symbolizing its essence or the most vital aspect. For example, 'the heart of the matter' refers to the most important aspect of an issue.
7 Letters
ESSENCE: The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character. It represents the very core or fundamental being.
8 Letters
PRIORITY: A thing that is regarded as more important than others and therefore demands attention before other things. In a list of tasks, a priority is always the 'most important thing' to do first.
More About "most important thing nyt crossword"
The clue "most important thing" is a classic example of a clue that seeks the fundamental, central, or pivotal aspect of a subject. In New York Times crosswords, such clues often lead to answers that are synonyms for core, essence, or priority. These words are part of common crosswordese and appear frequently across various puzzles, making them essential vocabulary for any dedicated solver.
Understanding the nuance of such clues is key. Sometimes, the 'most important thing' might refer to a physical core, like the core of an apple, or a conceptual core, like the core of an argument. Other times, it could imply a principal objective or a primary concern. The surrounding letters and intersecting clues are always vital in narrowing down the possibilities to the exact word the constructor had in mind.
Pay attention to the number of letters required, as this often helps distinguish between similar concepts. For instance, 'CORE' is four letters, while 'ESSENCE' is seven, even though both convey a similar meaning. This precision is what makes crossword solving both challenging and rewarding.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Determine if the clue is literal, figurative, or a pun. "Most important thing" can be deceptively simple but often requires thinking beyond the obvious.
- Consider Synonyms Broadly: Don't just think of direct synonyms. Think about related concepts, metaphors, or even parts of phrases that could fit the letter count (e.g., 'heart' for the center).
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters from solved crossing clues to confirm or eliminate potential answers. This is often the most effective strategy for multi-word answers or less common terms.
- Think Common Crosswordese: Words like ESSENCE, CORE, and HEART are frequent residents of crossword puzzles. Familiarize yourself with these and similar terms that are often used in varied contexts.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'most important thing' in solving NYT crosswords?
The 'most important thing' in solving NYT crosswords often involves a blend of vocabulary knowledge, pattern recognition, and an understanding of common crossword clue types (e.g., puns, synonyms, literal interpretations). Flexibility in thinking and knowing when to step away and return with fresh eyes can also be crucial.
How do NYT crossword clues for 'most important thing' vary?
NYT crossword clues for 'most important thing' can vary widely, from straightforward synonyms like 'essence' or 'core' to more metaphorical interpretations such as 'heart of the matter' or 'crux'. They might also hint at a 'priority' or a 'key element', requiring solvers to consider different angles of what 'important' truly means in context.
Are there common themes for 'most important thing' answers in crosswords?
Yes, common themes for 'most important thing' answers often revolve around words signifying centrality, indispensability, or priority. These include terms like ESSENCE, HEART, CORE, GIST, CRUX, PRIORITY, and KEY. The specific answer will depend on the letter count and other intersecting clues in the puzzle.