present crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "present crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of all possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct answer. Find your solution quickly and get back to enjoying your puzzle!
Solutions for "present crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NOW: Referring to the current moment in time, as in "the present time."
4 Letters
GIFT: A common synonym for 'present' when referring to an item given to someone.
SHOW: To display or exhibit something, as in "to present a play."
5 Letters
OFFER: To propose or put forward for acceptance, as in "to present an offer."
AWARD: To give something as a prize or honor, as in "to present an award."
6 Letters
BESTOW: To confer or present an honor, right, or gift formally.
DONATE: To give something, especially money or goods, for a good cause, which is a form of 'presenting'.
More About "present crossword clue"
The clue "present" is a classic example of a crossword setter's favorite trick: polysemy. This means the word has multiple distinct meanings, allowing for a wide range of potential answers depending on the context the setter intends. It can refer to a physical item given to someone (a gift), the current moment in time (now), or an action (to show, to offer, to bestow). Understanding these different facets is key to unlocking the puzzle.
Crossword constructors love words like "present" because they force solvers to think beyond the obvious. Is it a noun or a verb? Is it about time or an object? The surrounding clues, the number of letters, and the overall theme of the puzzle often provide the necessary hints to narrow down the possibilities. For instance, if the puzzle has a theme about holidays, "GIFT" might be more likely than "NOW."
Mastering clues like "present" involves a blend of vocabulary knowledge and deductive reasoning. By considering all possible meanings and matching them against the available letter slots and intersecting words, you can confidently arrive at the correct solution. It's a testament to the richness of the English language that a single word can open up so many different avenues of thought in a crossword.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Immediately check the number of letters required. For "present," a 3-letter answer points strongly to "NOW," while 4 letters could mean "GIFT" or "SHOW."
- Look for Context Clues: Does the clue have an indicator that it's a verb (e.g., "to present") or a noun (e.g., "a present")? Are there any specific phrases or synonyms used that hint at the meaning?
- Check Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm your answer is by seeing if it fits perfectly with the crossing words. If a word like "GIFT" fits horizontally and all its letters align with vertical answers, you're likely correct.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: If common answers don't fit, delve into less frequent synonyms or more nuanced meanings of "present," such as "BESTOW" or "DONATE."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'present' have so many different crossword answers?
The word 'present' is highly polysemous, meaning it has multiple meanings (e.g., a gift, the current time, to show something). Crossword setters exploit this versatility to create challenging clues, requiring solvers to consider the context or letter count.
How can I tell if 'present' refers to a gift or time in a crossword?
Look at the number of letters required and any surrounding clues or themes. If the answer is 4 letters, 'GIFT' or 'SHOW' are possibilities. If it's 3 letters, 'NOW' is likely. The overall puzzle's theme or other clues might also hint at whether a noun or verb form is expected.
What's a good strategy when a clue like 'present' appears?
Start by considering the most common meanings (gift, now, show) and their letter counts. If those don't fit, think about less common synonyms or verb forms (bestow, offer, award, donate). Always check with crossing words to confirm your choice, as they will eliminate incorrect options.