size up crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for the answer to the crossword clue "size up", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential solutions, categorized by their length, along with clear explanations to help you understand why each answer fits.
Solutions for "size up crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RATE: To estimate the value or quality of something; often used in a quick, preliminary assessment.
5 Letters
GAUGE: To measure or determine the extent, amount, or nature of something, often implying careful evaluation.
WEIGH: To consider or assess carefully, often implying a mental "weighing" of pros and cons.
6 Letters
ASSESS: To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something; to make a judgment.
8 Letters
EVALUATE: To determine or fix the value of; to appraise, often involving a more thorough and systematic assessment.
APPRAISE: To assess the value or quality of something, typically in a formal or professional context.
More About "size up crossword clue"
"Size up" is a common phrase that often appears in crossword puzzles, typically hinting at an action of evaluating, assessing, or forming an opinion about something or someone. The exact answer can vary depending on the nuance implied by the puzzle setter and the number of letters available in the grid. It's a versatile clue because the act of "sizing up" can range from a quick glance to a detailed analysis.
Crossword constructors love clues like "size up" because they can lead to several synonyms with different letter counts, such as RATE, GAUGE, ASSESS, EVALUATE, or APPRAISE. This allows them flexibility in fitting words into their grid. When you encounter this clue, consider the context of other intersecting words, as they can often narrow down the possibilities significantly.
Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms can be key to solving the puzzle. For instance, "RATE" might imply a numerical or quick judgment, while "EVALUATE" suggests a more formal or comprehensive assessment. Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you pick the perfect word for your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters First: Always confirm the number of letters in the answer slot. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities for clues like "size up" that have multiple synonyms.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Don't just focus on one clue. The letters from intersecting words will provide crucial hints, helping you confirm or rule out potential answers.
- Consider Nuance: For clues with many synonyms, like "size up," pay attention to any subtle adverbs or context in the clue itself. "Quickly size up" might suggest a shorter answer like RATE, while "Thoroughly size up" could point to EVALUATE.
- Think Beyond Direct Synonyms: Sometimes, crossword clues use idiomatic expressions or indirect meanings. For "size up," while direct synonyms are common, occasionally a more lateral thought might be required, though less so for this particular phrase.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'size up' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'size up' typically means to assess, evaluate, estimate, or appraise. It implies a quick or thorough judgment of something's qualities, value, or characteristics.
Are there common synonyms for 'size up' in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms that appear as answers include ASSESS, GAUGE, RATE, EVALUATE, APPRAISE, and WEIGH. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters required and the surrounding clues.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'ASSESS' and 'EVALUATE'?
The key is often the nuance of the clue or the letter count. 'ASSESS' might imply a quicker or more general judgment, while 'EVALUATE' often suggests a more detailed or systematic analysis. Always check the number of letters needed first, then consider the subtle differences in meaning.