superlative suffix crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stumped by 'superlative suffix crossword clue'? You're in the right place! Discover the definitive answer and detailed explanations to conquer your puzzle.
Solutions for "superlative suffix crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EST: The most common suffix added to adjectives and adverbs to form their superlative degree (e.g., 'tallest', 'fastest').
More About "superlative suffix crossword clue"
Understanding grammatical suffixes is a common way crossword constructors test your knowledge of English. The clue "superlative suffix" points directly to a specific grammatical concept: the form used to indicate the highest degree of a quality or characteristic. In English, this is predominantly achieved by adding '-EST' to the end of an adjective or adverb (e.g., 'smart' becomes 'smartest').
While '-EST' is the primary answer, it's worth noting that if an adjective already ends in 'e' (like 'nice' or 'large'), only '-ST' is appended to form the superlative (e.g., 'nicest', 'largest'). However, crossword clues for 'superlative suffix' typically expect the more general and widely applicable 'EST'. Recognizing these common grammatical patterns can significantly speed up your crossword-solving process.
Knowing this common suffix is a valuable tool for any crossword enthusiast, as it frequently appears in puzzles of all difficulty levels. It's a fundamental piece of English grammar that translates well into concise, solvable crossword answers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Type: Always identify if the clue points to a part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb) or a grammatical element like a suffix or prefix. This helps narrow down possible answers significantly.
- Consider Common Suffixes and Prefixes: Familiarize yourself with frequently used English suffixes like -EST, -ER, -ING, -ED, -ION, and prefixes like UN-, RE-, PRE-, DIS-. These are popular in crossword clues.
- Check for Word Length: The number of letters required for the answer is crucial. If the clue implies a suffix, its length is usually short, which can help confirm your guess.
- Use Cross-References: Don't try to solve a clue in isolation. Use intersecting letters from other solved clues to confirm your answer for the suffix and eliminate incorrect possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a superlative suffix in grammar?
A superlative suffix is a word ending added to adjectives and adverbs to indicate the highest degree of a quality or characteristic. In English, the most common superlative suffix is '-est', as seen in words like 'biggest', 'fastest', or 'strongest'. If an adjective already ends in 'e', only '-st' is added (e.g., 'nicest').
Why is "EST" a common crossword answer for superlative suffixes?
EST is a very common crossword answer for 'superlative suffix' clues because it is the most widely used and recognizable suffix for forming the superlative degree in English. Its short length makes it ideal for many crossword grids, and its grammatical function is precise, leading to direct and unambiguous clues.
Are there other suffixes that indicate degree besides superlative ones?
Yes, in English, we also have comparative suffixes. The most common comparative suffix is '-er' (e.g., 'taller', 'faster', 'stronger'), used to compare two things. Similar to superlatives, if an adjective ends in 'e', only '-r' is added (e.g., 'nicer'). Crossword clues might also feature these comparative suffixes.