What does 'ape' usually mean in crossword clues?

In crossword clues, 'ape' most commonly means 'to imitate' or 'to mimic'. It can also sometimes be used phonetically or as part of a wordplay on the animal itself, but imitation is the primary interpretation for a verb.

How can I identify French mathematicians in crossword puzzles?

Common French mathematicians that frequently appear in crosswords include PASCAL, DESCARTES, FERMAT, CAUCHY, POINCARE, and LAPLACE. Knowing these names and their common letter counts can be very helpful when a clue points to a 'French mathematician'.

Why are some crossword clues, like 'ape to call out french mathematician', so complex?

Clues like 'ape to call out french mathematician' are often cryptic clues. They use wordplay, puns, anagrams, hidden words, or phonetic indicators rather than direct definitions. The challenge is to decipher the wordplay, which makes solving them very rewarding but requires a different approach than standard definition clues.

ape to call out french mathematician crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "ape to call out french mathematician crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide the most accurate and comprehensive answers, along with detailed explanations to help you solve your puzzle and improve your crossword skills.

Solutions for "ape to call out french mathematician crossword clue" by Letter Count

6 Letters

PASCAL: Blaise Pascal was a renowned French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher. This common crossword answer cleverly plays on the name: 'P' can relate to pressure (a unit named after him), 'AS' can be a sound-alike for 'ape', and 'CAL' for 'call', leading to a cryptic interpretation of the clue.

More About "ape to call out french mathematician crossword clue"

The clue "ape to call out french mathematician" is a classic example of a cryptic crossword clue, where the definition ("French mathematician") is hidden within wordplay ("ape to call out"). The most fitting answer, PASCAL, refers to Blaise Pascal, a figure of immense historical significance. Born in 1623, Pascal made groundbreaking contributions to mathematics (such as Pascal's Triangle and probability theory), physics (fluid dynamics, pressure, and the vacuum), and philosophy.

His name is deeply embedded in scientific terminology, with the pascal (Pa) being the SI derived unit of pressure. This dual nature – being a historical figure and having his name associated with scientific concepts – makes him a popular choice for crossword setters, allowing for various angles in clueing. Deciphering such clues often involves recognizing common names, understanding the subtle nuances of cryptic wordplay, and sometimes, a bit of general knowledge about famous historical figures.

When you encounter clues like this, remember that the "ape" might hint at imitation or a sound, and "call out" at a vocalisation or naming. These elements guide you to assemble the answer that fits the letter count and the overall definition.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Break Down Cryptic Clues: Always try to separate the definition part of a cryptic clue from the wordplay part. For "ape to call out french mathematician," "french mathematician" is the definition, while "ape to call out" is the wordplay.
Count Letters Carefully: The number of letters in the answer is your most important constraint. Always count the blanks provided in the puzzle grid and match potential answers to this length.
Consider Common Crossword Personalities: Many puzzles frequently feature the same famous names, especially scientists, artists, and historical figures. Blaise Pascal is a prime example for mathematicians.
Think Outside the Box for Wordplay: Cryptic clues use various devices: anagrams, homophones (sound-alikes), hidden words, reversals, and abbreviations. "Ape" could be a phonetic hint or mean 'to mimic'.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "ape" mean in crossword clues?

In crossword clues, "ape" most commonly means "to imitate" or "to mimic." It can also sometimes be used phonetically, hinting at a sound, or in more complex wordplay, referring to the animal itself.

How do I identify a French mathematician in a crossword?

To identify a French mathematician, look for common names like PASCAL, DESCARTES, FERMAT, CAUCHY, POINCARE, or LAPLACE. The letter count of the answer space is crucial for narrowing down which one fits.

Why are some crossword clues, like this one, so complex?

Clues like "ape to call out french mathematician" are typically cryptic clues, which rely on wordplay rather than direct definitions. They challenge solvers to decipher hidden meanings, puns, anagrams, or phonetic clues, making the solution more rewarding to discover.