cleric crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! Here you'll find comprehensive answers and detailed explanations for the clue 'cleric crossword clue,' ensuring you complete your puzzle with confidence.
Solutions for "cleric crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MONK: A male member of a religious community, living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
5 Letters
VICAR: An Anglican clergyman in charge of a parish, often a stipendiary priest.
ABBOT: The head of an abbey of monks.
6 Letters
PRIEST: An ordained minister of a Christian church, authorized to perform sacred rites.
PASTOR: A minister in charge of a Christian church or congregation.
DEACON: An ordained minister of an order ranking below that of priest.
RECTOR: A clergyman or cleric who is in charge of a parish.
More About "cleric crossword clue"
The term 'cleric' refers broadly to any individual who is ordained or otherwise set apart for religious service. This makes it a versatile and frequently used clue in crossword puzzles, as it encompasses a wide range of specific roles within various religious traditions.
In crosswords, 'cleric' often acts as a gateway clue, prompting solvers to think of more specific titles like priest, minister, monk, vicar, or rector. The challenge lies in identifying the exact word that fits the given letter count and any other contextual hints within the clue or intersecting words.
Understanding the etymology of 'cleric' (from Latin 'clericus', meaning 'of the clergy') helps to grasp its general nature. While predominantly used for Christian religious figures in many puzzles, it's good practice to consider its broader implications in more obscure or themed crosswords.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Context: Always look for additional words in the clue that might narrow down the definition. For instance, "monastic cleric" would point towards MONK or ABBOT, while "Anglican cleric" might suggest VICAR or RECTOR.
- Letter Count is King: The most crucial piece of information is always the number of letters. Even if you think of several possibilities for 'cleric', only one will fit the specific length required.
- Synonym Brainstorming: Before looking up answers, try to list as many synonyms for 'cleric' as you can think of: priest, minister, reverend, monk, pastor, deacon, curate, rector, abbot. This expands your mental lexicon.
- Check Intersecting Words: Use confirmed letters from intersecting words to help eliminate incorrect possibilities and confirm the correct cleric title.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cleric' typically refer to in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'cleric' is a broad term that can refer to any ordained minister or religious official. This often includes specific roles such as priests, monks, vicars, rectors, deacons, or even broader terms like reverend or minister, depending on the clue's length and context.
How can I distinguish between different types of clerics in crossword clues?
Pay attention to the clue's nuances. If it mentions a specific religion (e.g., 'Anglican cleric'), it narrows down options (e.g., VICAR, RECTOR). Length constraints are crucial; for example, 'monastic cleric' might point to ABBOT or MONK, but the letter count will confirm which one fits. Consider synonyms for religious roles and specific titles.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'cleric' in crossword puzzles?
A common mistake is to assume 'cleric' only refers to Christian clergy. While often true in many puzzles, it can broadly apply to religious officials from various faiths. Also, sometimes the clue might lead to a more general term like SAINT or PROPHET if the context is broad enough, so always consider the overall theme of the puzzle or other intersecting letters.