at heart crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "at heart" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you across the finish line.
Solutions for "at heart crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CORE: The central, essential, or innermost part of something.
5 Letters
INNER: Situated further in; internal or intrinsic, often referring to feelings or thoughts.
7 Letters
ESSENCE: The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, often considered its heart or core.
8 Letters
INWARDLY: Within one's mind or feelings; secretly or privately, reflecting true sentiment.
More About "at heart crossword clue"
"At heart" is a common phrase in English that refers to someone's true nature, fundamental character, or innermost feelings, often despite outward appearances. When used in a crossword clue, it prompts solvers to think beyond the literal meaning of the physical organ and delve into synonyms that convey essential qualities or hidden dispositions. This clue tests your understanding of idiomatic expressions and their core meanings.
Crossword setters love using phrases like "at heart" because they can have multiple interpretations and lead to different answer lengths, providing a rich ground for puzzle creation. The context of the surrounding words in the grid and any already-filled letters will be crucial in narrowing down the correct answer. Consider whether the clue refers to a noun (like the core of a matter) or an adverb (like feeling something deeply).
Understanding these nuances is key to solving such clues efficiently. Think of words that describe the core of a matter, the true self, or an inherent quality. This approach often leads to solutions that are simple yet perfectly fitting for the clue's figurative sense.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Wordplay: For clues like "at heart," consider if the setter is using a literal, figurative, or even cryptic interpretation. "At heart" is often figurative, pointing to the essence or core.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters required. This is your most reliable guide, especially when multiple synonyms exist for a clue's meaning. Use our site to quickly filter by length!
- Look for Part of Speech: Is the answer likely a noun, adjective, or adverb? "At heart" can sometimes lead to adverbs like INWARDLY, or nouns like CORE or ESSENCE. This helps in brainstorming.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: If you have any letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them as strong hints. They can quickly confirm or eliminate potential answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'at heart' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'at heart' usually refers to the core, essence, or innermost part of something or someone's true nature or feelings. It often prompts answers like CORE, ESSENCE, INNER, or INWARDLY.
How can I identify synonyms for 'at heart' that fit a crossword grid?
To identify synonyms, consider words that mean fundamental, central, intrinsic, or true nature. Also, think about adverbs related to internal feelings or thoughts. The number of letters in the grid will be your strongest hint.
Are there common tricks or traps for 'at heart' clues?
Sometimes 'at heart' can mislead you to think of literal anatomy. Instead, focus on the figurative meaning: the fundamental characteristic or secret feeling. Pay attention to surrounding letters if you have any already filled in.