that is to say crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "that is to say" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, complete with explanations and tips to help you solve your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "that is to say crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
IE: This is the most common abbreviation for the Latin phrase "id est," which literally means "that is" or "in other words." It's a frequent answer for this type of clue.
3 Letters
VIZ: An abbreviation for the Latin "videlicet," which directly translates to "namely" or "that is to say." Less common than "IE" but a valid and precise answer.
5 Letters
IDEST: The full Latin phrase "id est" (often written with a space, but in crosswords, spaces are usually removed for letter counting) meaning "that is" or "in other words."
6 Letters
NAMELY: A direct English synonym for "that is to say," used to introduce a more specific explanation or list of items.
8 Letters
ORRATHER: This phrase is used to introduce a correction or a more accurate statement, often functioning in a similar way to "that is to say" in clarifying a point.
More About "that is to say crossword clue"
The phrase "that is to say" is a formal way to introduce an explanation or clarification of something previously stated. It's often replaced in casual speech by "in other words," "namely," or "specifically." In crosswords, clues pointing to this phrase often test your knowledge of Latin abbreviations or precise English synonyms.
Recognizing the common patterns for such clues is crucial for crossword success. For instance, knowing that Latin phrases like "id est" are often clued this way can quickly unlock a puzzle. Similarly, being aware of less common but still valid synonyms like "videlicet" (abbreviated as VIZ) demonstrates a deeper understanding of word origins and usage.
The beauty of such clues in crosswords lies in their ability to bridge different linguistic conventions – from contemporary English to classical Latin, often condensed into short, pithy answers perfect for fitting into tight grid spaces. Mastery of these types of clues can significantly improve your solve times.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Latin Abbreviations: Many "that is to say" type clues point to Latin phrases. Always consider "IE" (id est) or "VIZ" (videlicet) first, especially for short answers.
- Consider Synonyms: Beyond Latin, common English synonyms like "NAMELY," "IN SHORT," or "OR RATHER" are strong contenders. Think about how you would rephrase the sentence using these words.
- Check Letter Count First: Before guessing, use the given letter count to narrow down possibilities. A 2-letter answer almost certainly points to "IE," while a 6-letter answer might be "IDEST" or "NAMELY."
- Context is Key: Look at surrounding solved letters. They can provide crucial hints to confirm whether your chosen answer fits the overall puzzle.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crosswords often use Latin abbreviations like 'i.e.' or 'e.g.'?
Crossword constructors frequently use Latin abbreviations because they are concise, widely understood, and provide common patterns that can fit into various grid lengths. They are a staple of general knowledge and often appear as clues for short answers.
How can I quickly identify synonyms for 'that is to say' in crosswords?
When encountering 'that is to say' or similar phrases, consider short Latin abbreviations like I.E. (id est) or VIZ (videlicet). Also, think of synonyms like NAMELY, OR RATHER, and IN SHORT. Contextual clues regarding the required letter count can help narrow down the possibilities.
What's the difference between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.' and why is it important for crosswords?
'I.e.' stands for 'id est' (that is to say), meaning 'in other words' or 'specifically'. 'E.g.' stands for 'exempli gratia' (for the sake of example), meaning 'for example'. Knowing the precise meaning helps in crosswords as a clue for 'that is to say' would lead to 'I.E.', while 'for example' would lead to 'E.G.'.