vanity crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! Below you'll find all the possible answers for the clue "vanity crossword clue," along with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "vanity crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EGO: A sense of self-importance or self-esteem, often exaggerated.
5 Letters
PRIDE: A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, or a high or overbearing opinion of one's own dignity, importance, or superiority.
7 Letters
CONCEIT: Excessive pride in oneself.
10 Letters
NARCISSISM: Excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one's physical appearance.
13 Letters
DRESSINGTABLE: A piece of furniture with a mirror and drawers, typically used for personal grooming, representing the furniture aspect of 'vanity'.
More About "vanity crossword clue"
The clue "vanity" is a classic example of a crossword clue that plays on multiple meanings of a word. In common usage, vanity primarily refers to excessive pride in one's own appearance, qualities, or achievements. This is why answers like EGO, PRIDE, and CONCEIT are frequently seen. These terms describe a self-centered or self-admiring trait, often seen as a negative character flaw.
However, "vanity" also refers to a piece of furniture—a dressing table, often found in bedrooms, used for applying makeup or styling hair. This dual meaning allows for a broader range of answers, demanding that solvers consider context and letter count carefully. Successful crossword solvers are adept at identifying these semantic shifts and applying the appropriate interpretation based on the puzzle's constraints.
Understanding these nuances is crucial, as crosswords often leverage synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, and double meanings. For "vanity," the key is to recognize both the abstract concept of excessive self-admiration and the concrete object used for personal grooming.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always think about all possible definitions of a clue word. As seen with "vanity," a single word can have vastly different interpretations that lead to different answers.
- Check Letter Count First: Before diving into specific answers, note the required letter count. This immediately narrows down possibilities and helps you choose between common synonyms of varying lengths.
- Leverage Intersecting Clues: The most powerful tool in crossword solving is using letters from already solved intersecting clues. Even one correct letter can confirm a hypothesis or rule out incorrect answers.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Many clues are direct synonyms or antonyms. For abstract clues, brainstorm related concepts. For "vanity," think about what someone vain might exhibit (PRIDE, CONCEIT) or what they use (DRESSINGTABLE).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'vanity' mean in a crossword context?
The clue 'vanity' can refer to excessive pride or self-admiration (e.g., EGO, PRIDE, CONCEIT) or to a piece of furniture, specifically a dressing table, often equipped with a mirror.
How can I distinguish between the two meanings of 'vanity' in a crossword?
Look at the number of letters required for the answer and any intersecting clues. Short answers often refer to character traits (EGO, PRIDE), while longer answers might point to the furniture (DRESSINGTABLE). Intersecting letters will confirm the correct path.
What's the best strategy for solving abstract clues like 'vanity'?
Consider all possible meanings of the word, including literal and figurative interpretations. Think of synonyms for each meaning, and then check which one fits the given letter count and intersects with other solved clues in the puzzle.