quondam crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "quondam" as your clue, you're in the right place. This page provides all potential solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your crossword with ease.
Solutions for "quondam crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
EX: A concise answer, 'EX' is commonly used in crosswords to denote something or someone that was formerly (quondam) in a particular role or state. For instance, an 'ex-president' or 'ex-wife'.
3 Letters
OLD: While simple, 'OLD' can be a fitting answer for 'quondam' when referring to things that were 'old' or of a past era, reflecting the sense of former existence.
4 Letters
ONCE: 'ONCE' directly relates to 'quondam' as it signifies something that happened or existed in the past, at one time. It's a very common and direct synonym.
PAST: Describing a time or event that has already happened, 'PAST' is another straightforward solution often used for "quondam" clues.
6 Letters
FORMER: 'FORMER' is a direct synonym for 'quondam,' meaning having been at a previous time or in a previous state. It's a frequent crossword solution for this type of clue.
WHILOM: An elegant and slightly more obscure synonym, 'WHILOM' means 'formerly' or 'once.' It's a favorite among crossword constructors for its slightly archaic yet precise meaning, making it a perfect match for 'quondam'.
More About "quondam crossword clue"
"Quondam" is a fascinating word often found in crosswords due to its slightly archaic yet precise meaning. Derived from Latin, it directly translates to "formerly" or "once." This makes it a powerful clue for a variety of answers that refer to something that existed or occurred in the past. Its inclusion in a crossword tests a solver's vocabulary, encouraging them to think beyond common synonyms and delve into more sophisticated language.
The beauty of "quondam" as a clue lies in its versatility. Depending on the grid and intersecting letters, it can lead to short, common answers like "EX" or "OLD," or longer, more formal ones like "FORMER" or even the delightful "WHILOM." Understanding the nuances of such words is key to mastering crosswords, as constructors often use these precise terms to challenge and reward solvers.
Next time you see "quondam" in a clue, think about what it describes: a former state, an elapsed time, or a previous identity. This insight will help you quickly narrow down the possibilities and confidently fill in those tricky squares.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Understand Archaic Clues: Words like "quondam" are often a sign that the answer might also be slightly formal or archaic. Be prepared to recall less common synonyms.
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters in the answer box against potential solutions. This is your primary filter for words like "EX" (2 letters) vs. "FORMER" (6 letters).
- Consider Parts of Speech: "Quondam" functions as an adverb meaning 'formerly' or an adjective meaning 'former'. This helps you choose an answer that fits the grammatical context implied by the clue.
- Cross-Reference Intersecting Words: If you're stuck, fill in any perpendicular words you can. The letters you uncover will often reveal the correct "quondam" solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "quondam" mean in a crossword clue?
"Quondam" is a Latin-derived word meaning 'formerly,' 'once,' or 'sometime.' In crosswords, it clues words that refer to a past state, role, or existence. Common answers include FORMER, ONCE, PAST, or even EX.
Why is "quondam" a common crossword clue?
"Quondam" is popular in crosswords because its slightly archaic and formal nature allows for a range of synonyms of different lengths (e.g., EX, OLD, ONCE, FORMER, WHILOM). It tests solvers' vocabulary and knowledge of less common but precise terms, fitting the intellectual challenge of crosswords.
Are there similar words to "quondam" often used in crosswords?
Yes, similar clues that might appear include "erstwhile," "former," "previous," or phrases like "at one time." These all point to answers indicating a past state or occurrence, much like "quondam."