Why do crossword clues sometimes use informal language?

Crossword constructors often use informal language to add flavor, make clues more conversational, or to provide a hint towards an answer that is itself a colloquialism or slang term. It challenges solvers to think beyond literal definitions.

What's the best strategy for 'informal' clues?

For informal clues, consider common slang, contractions, or everyday expressions. Think about how people would actually say something in a casual conversation, rather than a formal context. The answer will often mirror the tone of the clue.

Can 'rather informally' refer to an adverb?

Yes, 'rather informally' often points directly to an adverb or an adverbial phrase that expresses degree in a casual manner. Answers like KINDA, SORTA, or PRETTY (when used as an adverb, as in 'pretty good') fit this description perfectly.

rather informally crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "rather informally crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their length, along with helpful explanations.

Solutions for "rather informally crossword clue" by Letter Count

5 Letters

KINDA: An informal shortening of 'kind of', used to express a moderate degree or a slight reservation.

SORTA: An informal contraction of 'sort of', indicating a slight or approximate similarity or degree.

6 Letters

PRETTY: Used informally as an adverb to mean 'to a fair degree; moderately', as in 'pretty good'.

8 Letters

SOMEWHAT: To a certain extent or degree, often used to soften a statement or describe a moderate quality.

More About "rather informally crossword clue"

Clues that include terms like "informally," "colloquially," or "casually" are common in crosswords and are designed to guide solvers towards answers that are part of everyday speech rather than formal vocabulary. When you encounter "rather informally," it signals that the answer isn't just about degree, but about a common, relaxed way of expressing that degree.

These clues often test your familiarity with contractions, slang, and idiomatic expressions that are widely understood but might not appear in a dictionary's primary definition. Recognizing this linguistic nuance is a key skill in becoming a proficient crossword solver, allowing you to unlock answers that seem counter-intuitive at first glance.

The term "rather" itself suggests a moderate degree, so coupled with "informally," you're looking for an answer that means "to some extent" or "quite a bit" but phrased in a casual, everyday manner. Thinking about how you would actually say these things in conversation is often the quickest path to the correct solution.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Embrace Informal Language: When a clue uses words like "informally," "colloquially," or indicates slang, be ready for answers that are contractions, abbreviations, or common spoken phrases rather than formal dictionary terms.
Consider the "Degree" Aspect: "Rather" implies a degree, so look for adverbs or phrases that convey 'to some extent' or 'moderately'. Answers like KINDA, SORTA, or PRETTY (used adverbially) are perfect examples.
Think About Context: Imagine the clue being spoken in a casual conversation. What words would naturally fit? This often helps to bridge the gap between formal definitions and informal crossword answers.
Check for Consistency: Once you have a potential answer, quickly check if its informal usage truly matches the nuance of "rather informally." Does it fit both the degree and the informal tone?

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "informally" mean in a crossword clue?

In a crossword clue, "informally" (or similar words like "casually," "colloquially," "in slang") indicates that the answer is likely a word or phrase commonly used in everyday speech, rather than a formal or dictionary definition. It often points to contractions, slang terms, or idiomatic expressions.

Are there other common informal adverbs used in crosswords?

Yes, besides KINDA and SORTA, other common informal adverbs or phrases you might see in crosswords include "PRETTY" (as in 'pretty good'), "REALLY" (informal intensifier), "A LOT" (informal quantity), or even contractions like "AIN'T" or "DUNNO."

How can I tell if an answer needs to be informal?

The clue itself will usually give you a strong hint. Look for keywords like "informally," "casually," "slang," "colloquially," "gossipy," "in conversation," or even question marks which can indicate wordplay or a non-literal interpretation.