almost crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "almost crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and tips to help you conquer your crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "almost crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
NEAR: Often indicates proximity or a close approximation.
SEMI: As a prefix, 'semi-' means 'partially' or 'half', implying a state of 'almost'.
NIGH: An archaic or literary term frequently used in crosswords to mean 'almost' or 'near'.
5 Letters
CLOSE: Implies being in proximity or a state of 'almost', as in 'close to completion'.
6 Letters
NEARLY: A direct synonym for 'almost', indicating a close approximation.
HARDLY: Can mean 'scarcely' or 'almost not at all', serving as an inverse or nuanced 'almost'.
ALMOST: Sometimes, the clue itself is the answer, especially in more abstract or self-referential puzzles.
More About "almost crossword clue"
"Almost" is a deceptively simple word that can lead to a surprising variety of answers in crossword puzzles. Its common usage points towards proximity, incompleteness, or near misses. Crossword constructors often leverage its synonyms (like NEARLY, CLOSE, NIGH) or phrases that imply a similar meaning (such as being partially or barely something).
Clues involving "almost" might require you to think about prefixes like "semi-" or "quasi-", or even consider words that mean the opposite of a full state, like "hardly" (meaning almost not). The key is to consider the exact nuance the constructor is aiming for, which can often be gleaned from the answer's letter count or the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words.
Always be prepared for the direct answer, "ALMOST" itself, especially in more playful or self-referential crosswords where the clue literally describes its own solution. Understanding these variations will significantly improve your success with such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For words like "almost," always brainstorm direct synonyms. Words like 'NEARLY', 'CLOSE', or 'NIGH' are very common in crosswords.
- Look for Prefixes/Suffixes: Many clues hint at words that use prefixes like 'SEMI-' or 'QUASI-' to denote partialness or an 'almost' state.
- Check for Opposites/Negatives: Sometimes "almost" can be clued as its inverse, like 'HARDLY' (meaning 'almost not'), requiring a different angle of thought.
- Utilize Letter Count and Intersections: The exact number of letters and any pre-filled letters from intersecting words are your best friends. They will quickly eliminate many possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common strategies for 'almost' clues?
For 'almost' clues, consider direct synonyms like NEARLY, CLOSE, or NIGH. Also, think about prefixes that imply partialness, such as SEMI- or QUASI-. Sometimes, the clue might hint at an opposite, like HARDLY, meaning 'almost not'.
Why do crosswords use archaic words like 'NIGH'?
Crosswords often use archaic or less common words to increase the challenge and expand vocabulary. 'NIGH' is a classic example that crossword constructors love because it's a short, precise synonym for 'almost' or 'near' that isn't in everyday modern usage, making it a clever test for solvers.
How do I handle multiple possible answers for a crossword clue?
When a clue has multiple potential answers, use the intersecting letters from other solved clues to narrow down the options. The letter count provided in the clue description is also crucial. If you're still stuck, consider the puzzle's theme or the constructor's style.