candour crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "candour" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We provide clear answers and helpful explanations.
Solutions for "candour crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TRUTH: Candour often implies speaking the truth directly, without evasion.
7 Letters
HONESTY: A primary synonym for candour, indicating straightforwardness and sincerity.
8 Letters
OPENNESS: Reflects the quality of being open and unreserved, a core aspect of candour.
9 Letters
FRANKNESS: Closely related to candour, meaning the quality of being direct and sincere in expression.
10 Letters
DIRECTNESS: The characteristic of being straightforward and without circumlocution, often associated with candour.
More About "candour crossword clue"
The term "candour" in crosswords usually points to an answer that conveys sincerity, honesty, or straightforwardness. It’s a classic crossword staple, often appearing in various forms from direct synonyms to more nuanced interpretations that hint at a lack of artifice or deceit. When you encounter this clue, think about the essence of being open and truthful.
Crossword setters love to play with the subtle differences between similar words. While "honesty" might be a direct swap, "frankness" or "openness" might be used when the clue suggests a more forthright or unreserved manner of communication. Pay attention to any additional words in the clue that might guide you to a specific shade of meaning, such as "utter" or "reveal," which could point to a more active form of candour.
Understanding the Latin root of "candour" – candor, meaning "whiteness, purity, sincerity" – can also sometimes offer a subtle hint, especially in cryptic crosswords where wordplay on origin or sound might be involved. However, for most standard crosswords, focusing on the direct synonyms and related concepts of truthfulness and transparency will yield the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options significantly, as seen with our various answers for "candour."
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "candour," think of direct synonyms (e.g., HONESTY) but also consider if the clue is asking for an opposite or a related concept that isn't a perfect synonym (e.g., for "bravery," you might get COURAGE or FORTITUDE).
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes a clue like "candour, perhaps in speech" points more specifically to words like FRANKNESS or DIRECTNESS, rather than just a general synonym like HONESTY. The surrounding words in the clue are vital.
- Use Cross-References: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting words, use them! Even one letter can often confirm or rule out a potential answer, making it much easier to deduce the full word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'candour' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'candour' typically refers to the quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in speech or behavior. It often implies a lack of pretense or dissimulation, leading to answers like HONESTY, FRANKNESS, or TRUTH.
How can I find synonyms for 'candour' to solve a crossword?
To find synonyms, think about the core meaning: sincerity, openness, and truthfulness. Brainstorm words related to these concepts. For example, if you see 'candour' as 'openness', you might think of OPENNESS itself or related terms like TRANSPARENCY. Consider common crossword setters' preferred synonyms like TRUTH, HONESTY, or FRANKNESS.
Are there common tricky clues for 'candour' in crosswords?
Sometimes, 'candour' might be clued in a more nuanced way, focusing on its 'bluntness' or 'lack of reserve' rather than just 'honesty'. Look for clues that suggest a direct, perhaps even unvarnished, expression of opinion. Contextual words in the clue are key to determining the exact shade of meaning.