by means of crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "by means of" in your crossword puzzle, you've landed on the perfect page. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "by means of crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
BY: Often the simplest and most direct answer, indicating an action performed by someone or something, which implies "by means of."
3 Letters
VIA: A very common answer, meaning "by way of" or "through," directly synonymous with "by means of."
PER: Latin for "through" or "by means of," frequently used in contexts like "per annum" (by the year).
4 Letters
WITH: Can indicate the instrument or method used to achieve something, thus aligning with "by means of."
7 Letters
THROUGH: Implies accomplishment by way of a particular method, medium, or process, directly matching "by means of."
More About "by means of crossword clue"
The phrase "by means of" is a wonderfully versatile prepositional phrase that crossword setters love. It's often used to connect an action with the method or instrument used to perform it. For example, "They travelled by means of a hot air balloon" could simply become "They travelled VIA a hot air balloon" in a crossword context. The beauty of this clue lies in its flexibility, allowing for a range of short, common words as answers.
Understanding the nuances of "by means of" helps in solving. It can refer to a physical route (e.g., via the tunnel), an abstract method (e.g., through negotiation), or an instrument (e.g., with a hammer). Recognizing these different shades of meaning will empower you to select the correct answer from the possible solutions provided, especially when combined with the letter count and intersecting words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters in the grid to the possible answers. This is your primary filter for "by means of" clues.
- Consider Intersecting Words: Use any letters already filled in from intersecting clues to confirm or eliminate potential answers.
- Think of Synonyms: Beyond the direct answers, think about common synonyms for "using," "through," or "via" that might fit the letter count.
- Context is Key: While "by means of" is broad, sometimes the specific puzzle's theme or other clues might subtly hint at the most appropriate synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is "by means of" a common crossword clue?
It's common because it's a multi-word phrase that can be concisely expressed by several single, short words, making it perfect for filling small gaps in a crossword grid. Its multiple synonyms also provide flexibility for puzzle constructors.
Are there any other common answers for "by means of" not listed here?
While the answers provided cover the most frequent solutions, less common alternatives might include 'USING' (5 letters) or more specific prepositions depending on context, though 'VIA', 'WITH', 'THROUGH', 'BY', and 'PER' are by far the most recurrent.
How can I differentiate between similar answers like 'VIA' and 'PER'?
The choice often comes down to context and intersecting letters. 'VIA' implies 'by way of' (e.g., travel via London), while 'PER' is often used in a rate or distribution sense (e.g., costs per unit). The surrounding words in the clue or grid will usually clarify which meaning is intended.