cardinal number crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all possible solutions for the crossword clue "cardinal number", organized by letter count to help you quickly complete your puzzle. Whether you're looking for a short answer or a longer one, we've got you covered with clear explanations.
Solutions for "cardinal number crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ONE: Refers to the first whole number, often seen in clues about singularity or beginnings.
4 Letters
ZERO: The absence of quantity, often clued as 'nothing' or 'nil'.
5 Letters
SEVEN: A specific prime number, often used in general number clues or as a common digit.
7 Letters
HUNDRED: Represents ten times ten, commonly used for large, round figures or counts.
More About "cardinal number crossword clue"
Cardinal numbers are fundamental to mathematics and our daily language, representing quantity. In crosswords, clues pointing to cardinal numbers can be straightforward, asking directly for a number, or more cryptic, hinting at a count or an amount without explicitly using a numerical term. Common short cardinal numbers like ONE, TWO, or TEN are frequently used due to their adaptability in fitting various crossword grid patterns.
Understanding the concept of a cardinal number versus an ordinal number (like 'first' or 'second') is crucial for solving these clues accurately. While an ordinal number indicates position or order, a cardinal number indicates 'how many'. For instance, a clue might be "The lonely figure," pointing to ONE, or "Absence of value," leading to ZERO.
Pay attention to the context of the clue. Sometimes, a cardinal number might be part of a larger phrase or idiom. For example, "A perfect ____" could hint at TEN, referring to a 'perfect ten' score. Recognizing these subtle cues will significantly enhance your ability to solve 'cardinal number' clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for cardinal numbers, as 'ONE' will fit a 3-letter slot, but 'HUNDRED' will not.
- Think of Common Short Numbers: If the clue is short and vague, immediately consider common cardinal numbers like ONE, TWO, TEN, SIX, or ZERO. These appear very frequently in crosswords.
- Look for Synonyms or Phrases: Clues for cardinal numbers aren't always direct. They might use synonyms for quantity ('solo', 'pair', 'nothing') or be part of common phrases (e.g., "baker's dozen" could imply THIRTEEN).
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Clues: Use letters from intersecting words to confirm or eliminate potential cardinal number answers. This is a fundamental crossword strategy but especially helpful when multiple cardinal numbers fit a given length.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cardinal number in crosswords?
In crosswords, a cardinal number refers to a number used for counting, such as one, two, three, etc., as opposed to ordinal numbers (first, second) or nominal numbers (like in a phone number).
How do I identify cardinal number clues?
Look for clues that imply a quantity or a count, rather than a position in a sequence. Words like "amount," "total," "quantity," or direct numerical references often point to cardinal numbers.
Are there common cardinal numbers in crosswords?
Yes, short cardinal numbers like ONE, TWO, TEN, SIX, and ZERO are very common due to their versatility in fitting various letter counts in a grid. Longer ones like HUNDRED or THOUSAND appear less frequently but are also possible.