ravines crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the "ravines crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with their definitions and letter counts, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "ravines crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DELLS: A small, secluded, and often wooded valley, which can sometimes be a gentle type of ravine.
6 Letters
GORGES: Deep, narrow valleys, typically with a river flowing through them, a very common synonym for ravines.
CHASMS: A deep fissure in the earth, rock, or another surface; often used metaphorically but also literally for deep, gaping features similar to ravines.
7 Letters
CANYONS: A deep gorge, typically one with a river flowing through it, often larger and more extensive than a typical ravine but shares the fundamental characteristic of a deep cut in the landscape.
GULLIES: Small valleys or ravines, especially one eroded by running water. Often implies a smaller scale than a full canyon, but clearly a type of ravine.
More About "ravines crossword clue"
The term "ravine" refers to a deep, narrow gorge, typically one that has been eroded by running water. These geological formations are common across various landscapes, from mountainous regions to arid plains. In crossword puzzles, clues for "ravines" often play on synonyms or characteristics of these features, requiring solvers to think about words that describe deep cuts, channels, or valleys in the earth.
Understanding the nuances between terms like gorge, canyon, gully, and chasm is crucial for solving clues related to ravines. While they all describe depressions in the land, their scale, formation, and typical usage can vary. For instance, a gully is generally smaller and often formed by flash floods, whereas a canyon suggests a much grander, more permanent geological feature shaped by rivers over millennia. Crossword setters love to exploit these subtle differences, challenging your vocabulary and knowledge of the natural world.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Length: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is the most important filter for any crossword clue, especially for geographical terms.
- Look for Context Clues: Does the clue mention "water-worn," "deep cut," "desert feature," or "mountain pass"? These additional details can narrow down your options from broad synonyms to specific terms like 'gully' or 'wash'.
- Think of Scale: If the clue implies something small, think 'dell' or 'gully'. If it suggests something massive, 'canyon' is more likely. "Ravine" itself often falls in a middle ground.
- Use Cross-References: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, use those to help you guess the remaining letters. Even one or two letters can make a huge difference in confirming a word like GORGES or CANYONS.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a ravine and a canyon?
While often used interchangeably, a 'ravine' typically refers to a narrow, deep valley, often formed by erosion. A 'canyon' is generally larger and deeper, usually with steep sides, and almost always carved out by a river over geological time. Ravines can be smaller features, sometimes temporary, while canyons are significant geographical formations.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for ravine-related crossword clues?
Yes, common patterns often involve words like 'river's edge,' 'watercourse,' 'deep cut,' or 'eroded land.' Sometimes clues might hint at their formation (e.g., 'water-worn,' 'gully-like') or their appearance ('steep-sided,' 'narrow pass'). Familiarity with synonyms like gorge, chasm, gulch, or dell is key.
How can I quickly find answers for geographical features in crosswords?
Focus on the number of letters provided in the grid. Think of synonyms from various scales – small features like 'gullies' or 'dells' to larger ones like 'canyons' or 'fjords.' Consider the origin implied by the clue – water erosion, tectonic activity, etc. Online crossword solvers are also excellent tools for quick lookups.