raison d'etre crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the "raison d'etre" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck.
Solutions for "raison d'etre crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
AIM: A fundamental objective or purpose.
4 Letters
GOAL: An object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
6 Letters
REASON: A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event, often referring to a core purpose.
7 Letters
PURPOSE: The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.
More About "raison d'etre"
"Raison d'être" is a beautiful and profound French phrase that translates literally to "reason for being." It signifies the essential purpose or justification for a person's or thing's existence. In philosophical terms, it addresses the fundamental meaning or core identity that gives something its significance. While it's a foreign phrase, its widespread use in English discourse makes it a familiar and often appreciated clue in crossword puzzles.
This phrase often appears in literature, art, and even business contexts to convey the ultimate driving force or intrinsic value. For a crossword solver, understanding its core meaning – purpose, aim, or reason – is key, as these synonyms are frequently the intended answers, varying in length to fit the puzzle's grid.
Recognizing the French origin helps in understanding why such a seemingly complex term is common in English crosswords. It's part of a rich tapestry of foreign loanwords that have become integrated into the English language, adding depth and variety to word puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Foreign Phrases: Clues like "raison d'etre" are a strong hint to think beyond common English words. Many crosswords incorporate well-known phrases from French, Latin, or German.
- Brainstorm Synonyms for Core Concepts: For a clue like "raison d'etre," the key is its meaning: purpose, reason, goal, aim, etc. Always brainstorm various synonyms that fit the overall concept, and then check which fit the letter count.
- Utilize Surrounding Clues: If you're stuck on a particular clue, look at the intersecting words. Filling in adjacent answers can provide crucial letters, making it much easier to deduce the correct solution for "raison d'etre" based on its known length.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "raison d'être" mean?
"Raison d'être" is a French phrase that translates literally to "reason for being." It refers to the most important reason or purpose for someone or something's existence. It encapsulates the fundamental justification or core purpose.
Why is "raison d'être" a common crossword clue?
It's a common clue because it's a well-known foreign phrase with a distinct, philosophical meaning that can be answered by various English synonyms like PURPOSE, REASON, GOAL, or AIM. This flexibility in answer length makes it versatile for crossword constructors.
Are there other French phrases often used in crosswords?
Yes, many! Crosswords frequently feature French phrases like 'C'EST LA VIE' (That's life), 'DEJA VU' (Already seen), 'HAUTE COUTURE' (High fashion), 'EN ROUTE' (On the way), and 'NOUVEAU RICHE' (Newly rich). Recognizing common foreign language terms can greatly assist in solving.