badly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "badly" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "badly crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ILLY: In a poor or unhealthy manner; badly.
6 Letters
POORLY: In a bad or inferior way; inadequately.
7 Letters
AWFULLY: To an extreme degree; very (often used colloquially). Also, in an awful or terrible manner.
GRAVELY: In a serious or solemn manner, often implying a severe negative impact or condition.
8 Letters
TERRIBLY: In a terrible manner; extremely; very.
WICKEDLY: In a morally wrong or mischievous way; sometimes used to intensify a description, e.g., 'wickedly fast'.
More About "badly crossword clue"
The word "badly" is a versatile adverb that can be used in various contexts, leading to a range of potential crossword answers. Its primary meaning relates to something done poorly or inadequately, but it can also function as an intensifier, similar to "very" or "extremely." This duality is what often makes it a popular choice for crossword setters looking to add a bit of challenge.
When encountering "badly" in a crossword clue, consider the surrounding words. If the clue is "wanted badly," the answer might lean towards an intensifier like AWFULLY or TERRIBLY. If it's "performed badly," then POORLY or ILLY would be more appropriate. The number of letters is always your best guide, eliminating possibilities and narrowing down the correct synonym that fits the grid.
Crossword constructors love to play on these nuances. Understanding the multiple meanings of adverbs like "badly" is key to unlocking many clues. Always cross-reference with intersecting words to confirm your choice and ensure it makes sense in the broader context of the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always look at the entire clue. Is "badly" part of a phrase? This can significantly alter which synonym is correct.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is the most important constraint. Use it to filter out answers that don't fit the grid.
- Consider Colloquialisms: "Badly" can sometimes be used informally to mean "very much" or "extremely." Keep an eye out for clues that hint at this usage.
- Use Intersecting Words: Don't guess in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your most reliable allies in confirming or rejecting a potential answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for "badly" in crosswords?
There isn't one single "most common" answer, as it depends heavily on the letter count and context. However, answers like ILLY, POORLY, and TERRIBLY are very frequent due to their direct synonymy and common letter lengths.
How does the number of letters help with the "badly" clue?
The number of letters is crucial because it immediately filters out most incorrect answers. For example, if the grid requires a 4-letter word, you know immediately that answers like POORLY (6) or TERRIBLY (8) are incorrect, leaving you to focus on words like ILLY.
Can "badly" ever mean "very" in a crossword?
Yes, colloquially, "badly" can be used as an intensifier, similar to "very" or "extremely". For instance, "needed badly" implies needing something very much. In such cases, answers like AWFULLY or TERRIBLY (when used to mean 'very') might be appropriate if the letter count fits.