acute crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "acute crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "acute crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KEEN: Signifying sharpness in perception or intellect, often an acute mind.
5 Letters
SHARP: Directly relating to the primary meaning of acute, as in a sharp point or sharp pain.
6 Letters
SEVERE: Describing something very intense or serious, like acute pain or a severe problem.
URGENT: Indicating something requiring immediate action, an acute need.
7 Letters
POINTED: Can refer to an acute angle or a sharp, direct remark.
8 Letters
CRITICAL: Indicating a serious or dangerous condition, often used in medical contexts for acute illnesses.
More About "acute crossword clue"
"Acute" is a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing with multiple possible interpretations. Its most common meanings relate to sharpness (like an angle less than 90 degrees), intensity (as in acute pain or an acute shortage), or perceptiveness (an acute sense of smell or an acute intellect).
When you encounter 'acute' in a crossword, consider which aspect the clue is highlighting. Is it describing a physical characteristic, an emotional state, a level of severity, or perhaps an intellectual quality? The context provided by other words in the clue, or even the overall theme of the puzzle, can be crucial in guiding you to the correct answer. Remember that setters love to play on words' multiple meanings, so thinking outside the box can often lead to a breakthrough.
Always cross-reference with intersecting words. If you have a few possible answers for 'acute', the letters filled in from other clues will quickly help you confirm the right one. This iterative process of deduction is key to mastering crossword puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Nuance: For words like 'acute', ponder all its definitions. Is it an angle, a pain, or a sharp mind? The specific context within the clue is vital.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters against your potential answer. This is your first filter.
- Look for Synonyms & Antonyms: Crossword setters often use synonyms or antonyms. Think of words that mean the same or the opposite of 'acute'.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is 'acute' being used as an adjective, a noun, or even part of a phrase? This can guide your answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'acute' mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, 'acute' can refer to something sharp (like an angle or a knife), intense (like pain or a crisis), or highly perceptive (like an acute sense of hearing or an acute mind). The specific context of the puzzle's theme or other intersecting words will help narrow it down.
How can I distinguish between 'acute' synonyms in a crossword?
Pay close attention to the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues. Also, consider the specific nuance of 'acute' the setter might be hinting at—is it about intelligence (keen), severity (severe), or physical sharpness (sharp)?
Are there common tricky uses of 'acute' in crosswords?
Yes, 'acute' can sometimes lead to answers related to medical conditions (e.g., 'acute appendicitis' leading to 'ILLNESS'), or even the accent mark (e.g., 'ACUTE ACCENT'). Always think broadly about all meanings of the word.