cordial crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the 'cordial crossword clue', designed to help you quickly complete your puzzle. We've compiled all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful insights.
Solutions for "cordial crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WARM: Exhibiting or characterized by a cordial or hearty friendliness.
5 Letters
SYRUP: A sweet, thick liquid, often used as a base for non-alcoholic cordials.
6 Letters
GENIAL: Friendly and cheerful; a common synonym for cordial.
7 Letters
AMIABLE: Having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner; another close synonym for cordial.
LIQUEUR: A sweet, often fruit-flavored alcoholic beverage, similar to a cordial.
More About "cordial crossword clue"
"Cordial" is a fascinating word in the English language, possessing a dual nature that makes it a prime candidate for crossword puzzles. Its primary meanings relate both to an emotional disposition and a type of beverage, allowing setters to create clever and sometimes challenging clues. The word stems from the Latin 'cordialis', meaning "of or for the heart," which beautifully connects to both its meanings: a "heartfelt" welcome (friendly) and a drink that can "warm the heart."
When encountering "cordial" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider the context. Is the clue hinting at a disposition, a welcoming atmosphere, or a person's character? Or is it referring to a sweet, often fruit-flavored, concentrated syrup or liqueur? Crossword constructors frequently exploit this ambiguity to test a solver's vocabulary depth and ability to think flexibly. Pay attention to surrounding words in the clue and any letters you've already filled in the grid to guide your choice.
Common synonyms for the "friendly" sense include amiable, genial, warm, and hearty. For the "drink" sense, think about terms like liqueur, syrup, or even specific types of sweet spirits. Understanding this duality is key to conquering clues involving "cordial."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words, like "cordial," have more than one meaning. Always ponder the different interpretations of a clue word – is it a noun, a verb, an adjective? Does it have a literal or figurative meaning?
- Leverage Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your most important hint. If you have an ambiguous clue, knowing the exact length can often eliminate many possibilities. Use our answer groups to quickly narrow down options.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crosswords frequently rely on direct synonyms or, less commonly, antonyms. Think about words that have similar or opposite meanings to the clue. For "cordial," explore its friendly side and its beverage side.
- Use Contextual Clues: Pay attention to the rest of the clue. Does it include words like "spirit," "drink," "sweet," or "friendly," "disposition," "welcome"? These words will often steer you towards the correct interpretation of the ambiguous main word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main meanings of 'cordial' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'cordial' most commonly refers to two distinct concepts: either a friendly, warm, or amiable disposition, or a sweet, often alcoholic, beverage or syrup.
How do I determine if 'cordial' refers to a feeling or a drink in a crossword?
The context of other clues in the puzzle, the number of letters in the answer, and any specific hints in the clue itself (e.g., 'sweet spirit' or 'friendly reception') will help you differentiate between the two meanings. Sometimes, trial and error with surrounding letters is necessary.
Are 'cordial' and 'liqueur' the same?
They are often used interchangeably in the context of sweet alcoholic drinks, but 'cordial' can be a broader term that also includes non-alcoholic sweet syrups used as drink mixers. 'Liqueur' specifically denotes an alcoholic beverage.