raison d etre crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for the perfect solution to the crossword clue "raison d etre," you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers and helpful explanations to get you unstuck and back to enjoying your puzzle.
Solutions for "raison d etre crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GOAL: The object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
5 Letters
BEING: The nature or essence of a person or thing, often referring to its existence.
6 Letters
REASON: A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.
MOTIVE: A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious.
7 Letters
PURPOSE: The underlying reason for which something is done or for which something exists.
More About "raison d etre crossword"
The phrase "raison d'être" is French for "reason for being" or "reason to be." It's a philosophical term often used in English to describe the fundamental justification or purpose for someone or something's existence. In crosswords, it's a popular clue because it requires a nuanced understanding of its meaning and often leads to various synonyms depending on the required letter count.
Crossword setters love clues like "raison d'être" because they bridge general knowledge with vocabulary. It's not just about knowing the literal translation but understanding the deeper conceptual meaning that allows for multiple fitting answers like PURPOSE, REASON, or MOTIVE. This versatility makes it a rewarding clue to solve, as it can unlock many different puzzle grids.
Mastering such clues involves recognizing commonly borrowed foreign phrases and having a strong grasp of their English equivalents. If you find this clue challenging, it's a good sign that you're expanding your crossword solving horizons!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Break down foreign phrases: For clues like "raison d'être," consider the literal translation or the commonly accepted English meaning of the phrase. Many foreign phrases have become standard in English and are fair game for crosswords.
- Consider synonyms and related concepts: Once you understand the core meaning of the clue, brainstorm all possible synonyms. For "raison d'être," think of words that convey purpose, cause, justification, or existence.
- Use surrounding letters: If you're stuck, fill in any intersecting letters from other clues. These letters will narrow down the possibilities for "raison d etre" and often reveal the correct answer by eliminating words that don't fit the pattern.
- Think about context: Sometimes the puzzle's theme or the setter's style can hint at whether a more abstract or concrete answer is expected for a clue like this.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'raison d'être' mean?
The French phrase 'raison d'être' directly translates to 'reason for being' or 'reason to be'. It refers to the fundamental reason or purpose for someone or something's existence.
Why is 'raison d'être' a common crossword clue?
It's a popular clue due to its distinct meaning, its foreign origin (which often makes for challenging yet solvable clues), and the variety of English synonyms (like PURPOSE, REASON, MOTIVE) that fit different letter counts. It tests a solver's general knowledge and vocabulary.
How do I approach foreign language clues in crosswords?
When encountering foreign language clues, first try to recall common foreign phrases or terms that are widely understood in English. If that fails, consider the literal translation or widely accepted English equivalents. Often, a good dictionary or online search for the phrase's meaning can quickly lead to the appropriate English answer. Context from surrounding completed words can also provide critical hints.