rent crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: What are the two main meanings of 'rent' often seen in crosswords?

The word 'rent' in crosswords typically refers to two distinct concepts: either the act of paying for the temporary use of something (like an apartment or car), or the past tense of 'rend,' meaning to tear or rip apart something forcibly. Crossword setters often use this ambiguity to create clever clues.

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "rent crossword puzzle clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether it's about property or a torn garment, we've got you covered.

Solutions for "rent crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

RIP: To tear or pull apart quickly and forcibly, often referring to clothes or paper.

LET: To allow someone to use a property, room, or space in return for payment; to rent out.

4 Letters

HIRE: To obtain the temporary use of something, such as equipment or a car, in exchange for payment.

TEAR: To pull or rip something apart forcibly; often used as a synonym for 'rend' or 'rent' in its past tense meaning.

5 Letters

LEASE: A contract by which one conveys land, property, services, etc., to another for a specified term, typically in return for a periodic payment.

SPLIT: To divide or break apart, especially along a seam or grain, similar to being torn or rent.

7 Letters

PAYMENT: An amount of money paid or payable; often referring to the regular sum exchanged for the use of rented property.

More About "rent crossword puzzle clue"

The word "rent" is a classic example of a homograph in the English language, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings that can be tricky in crossword puzzles. Primarily, "rent" can refer to the monetary payment made for the temporary use of property or a service. This is the sense most people think of first, leading to answers like HIRE, LEASE, or PAYMENT.

However, "rent" is also the past tense and past participle of the verb "rend," which means to tear, pull, or split something apart violently. This second meaning is very popular among crossword setters for its ability to mislead solvers. When you encounter "rent" in a clue, it's crucial to consider the context to determine if the setter is hinting at a financial transaction or something that has been ripped or divided.

Understanding these dual interpretations is key to successfully navigating clues involving "rent." Always check the word length and any crossing letters to narrow down the possibilities. Common synonyms for the "torn" meaning include RIP, TEAR, or SPLIT, while the "payment" meaning might point towards LET, LEASE, or FEE.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Clue's Context: For words like "rent" with multiple meanings, always look for other words in the clue that provide context. Do they hint at finance, housing, or physical damage?
Check Word Length: The number of letters required for the answer is your most important guide. It immediately eliminates many possibilities and helps you focus on words that fit the grid.
Consider Parts of Speech: Is "rent" being used as a noun (the money paid) or a verb (to lease, or to tear)? This subtle distinction can dramatically change the possible answers.
Utilize Crossing Words: Don't try to solve a difficult clue in isolation. Once you fill in a few crossing words, they will provide crucial letters that often make the correct answer obvious.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two main meanings of "rent" often seen in crosswords?

The word "rent" in crosswords typically refers to two distinct concepts: either the act of paying for the temporary use of something (like an apartment or car), or the past tense of "rend," meaning to tear or rip apart something forcibly. Crossword setters often use this ambiguity to create clever clues.

How can I determine which meaning of "rent" a crossword clue is referring to?

Context is key! Look at the other words in the clue for hints. Words like 'apartment,' 'tenant,' 'lease,' or 'pay' usually point to the 'paying for use' meaning. Clues involving 'torn,' 'shredded,' 'split,' or 'rend' will indicate the 'ripped apart' meaning. Also, consider the number of letters needed and the crossing words to confirm your answer.

Are there other words with multiple meanings commonly used in crossword puzzles?

Yes, many! Crossword setters love to play on words with multiple meanings (homographs). Examples include 'bank' (river bank or financial institution), 'spring' (season, jump, or water source), 'light' (illumination, not heavy), and 'fair' (just, or a carnival). Always be aware of these double meanings to crack trickier clues.