be contingent crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the clue "be contingent crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck quickly.
Solutions for "be contingent crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
LIE: Often used in the phrase "lie on," meaning to be based on or dependent upon something. For example, "Success can lie on careful planning."
4 Letters
RELY: To be dependent on someone or something with full trust or confidence. For instance, "We rely on good weather for the picnic."
REST: To be based or dependent on something, as in "the argument rests on a shaky premise."
5 Letters
HINGE: To depend or turn on a particular point or factor, typically in the phrase "hinge on." Example: "The outcome will hinge on the jury's decision."
6 Letters
DEPEND: To be controlled or determined by or subject to someone or something else. A direct synonym for "be contingent."
More About "be contingent crossword"
"Be contingent" is a common phrase found in crosswords that often trips up solvers due to its formal nature. At its core, it signifies dependency or conditionality. When you see this clue, the setter is asking for a verb that describes one thing's reliance on another. This can range from direct synonyms like DEPEND to phrasal verbs that imply the same relationship, such as RELY ON, HINGE ON, or even LIE ON.
Understanding the nuances of such clues is key to mastering crosswords. For instance, "hinge on" suggests a critical dependency, a turning point, whereas "rely on" implies trust and expectation. The specific answer usually fits the given letter count and the surrounding letters you've already filled in your grid. Always consider the context and any implied prepositions (like 'on') that might be part of the unstated phrase the clue refers to.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Phrasal Verbs: Many "be contingent" type clues translate to common phrasal verbs. If a short answer comes to mind (like RELY or HINGE), try appending "on" or "upon" in your head to see if it fits the meaning of the clue.
- Consider Synonyms for "Depend": The core meaning of "be contingent" is "to depend." Brainstorm direct synonyms for "depend" or words that convey a strong sense of reliance or conditionality.
- Check Letter Count and Context: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If you have some letters already filled from intersecting clues, use them to confirm or narrow down your options from the list of possible answers.
- Think of Conditional Relationships: Imagine scenarios where one event or outcome is dependent on another. What verbs would you use to describe that relationship? This can help unlock less obvious answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for 'be contingent'?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because words can have several synonyms or be part of different phrasal verbs that convey the same meaning. 'Be contingent' can imply reliance (RELY, DEPEND) or a pivotal connection (HINGE ON, LIE ON), leading to various solutions depending on the puzzle's specific structure and the number of letters required.
How can I find common crossword synonyms for verbs like 'be contingent'?
To find common synonyms for verbs, think about phrasal verbs (e.g., 'rely on', 'hinge on', 'depend on', 'lie on') as these are frequently used in crosswords. Consult a thesaurus, and consider the context. Also, cross-referencing with other clues in the puzzle can sometimes reveal letter patterns that narrow down the options.
What does 'be contingent' mean in a general sense, and how does it apply to crosswords?
'Be contingent' means to be dependent on, subject to, or determined by something else. In crosswords, this translates to verbs that express this dependency or conditionality. Look for direct synonyms (like DEPEND) or verbs that form common phrases with 'on' or 'upon' to convey this meaning (like RELY, HINGE, LIE).