afflict crossword clue 3 letters – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue 'afflict' for a 3-letter answer? You've come to the right place! We've got the solution and detailed explanations to help you complete your crossword puzzle efficiently and accurately.
Solutions for "afflict crossword clue 3 letters" by Letter Count
3 Letters
AIL: To cause physical or mental suffering to; to trouble or distress. Often used in questions like "What ails you?" to mean "What is troubling you?"
More About "afflict crossword clue 3 letters"
The word "afflict" implies causing suffering, trouble, or pain. In crosswords, setters often use verbs that convey this meaning directly or indirectly. For a short 3-letter answer, the options are quite limited, making "AIL" a highly common and logical choice, as it directly relates to experiencing a problem or causing one.
Understanding the nuances of such common crossword words like "afflict" can significantly boost your solving speed. When you see clues about causing distress or being troubled, your mind should quickly jump to compact, precise synonyms. "AIL" perfectly fits this bill, being a verb that means to trouble or to be troubled by illness or distress.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think of Synonyms: Always consider direct synonyms for the clue word. For "afflict," words like trouble, bother, or harm come to mind, which can lead to shorter, more common crossword answers.
- Consider Common Short Words: Many crosswords reuse a core set of short, common words. Familiarize yourself with frequently appearing 3-letter, 4-letter, and 5-letter words, especially verbs and simple nouns.
- Use Crossing Letters: Never guess a short answer in isolation. Always use the letters from crossing words to confirm your choice. This is especially crucial for shorter answers where multiple words might initially seem to fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is "AIL" a common answer for "afflict"?
"AIL" is a common answer because it is a concise, 3-letter verb that directly means to cause or suffer from an ailment, illness, or trouble, making it a perfect fit for clues involving affliction or distress. It's a frequently used word in everyday language and thus appears often in crosswords.
Are there other 3-letter verbs that mean to cause trouble?
While "AIL" is primary for "afflict," other 3-letter verbs like "VEX" (to annoy or distress) or "HARM" (to cause injury or damage) can also mean to cause trouble, depending on the specific context of the clue. Always consider the precise nuance the crossword setter intends.
How important are short answers like "AIL" in solving crosswords?
Short answers are incredibly important! They often act as critical entry points, allowing you to quickly fill in sections of the grid and provide crucial crossing letters for longer, more challenging clues. Mastering common short answers like "AIL" can significantly speed up your overall solving time and build confidence.