crossword clue arrant – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "crossword clue arrant"? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find all possible solutions for this common crossword clue, organized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the context and improve your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue arrant" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RANK: Utter, absolute, or extreme, especially in a negative sense, e.g., 'rank amateur'.
5 Letters
UTTER: Complete or absolute, often used to emphasize a bad quality, like 'utter nonsense'.
SHEER: Nothing less than; complete or absolute, as in 'sheer joy' or 'sheer folly'.
More About "crossword clue arrant"
The word "arrant" is a fascinating term in the English language, commonly encountered in crosswords due to its precise meaning and evocative nature. Derived from the Old French "errant," meaning "travelling" or "wandering," it evolved to describe someone who was openly, conspicuously, or notoriously bad, hence "arrant thief." Over time, its meaning shifted to an intensifier, particularly for negative qualities, signifying "utter" or "complete."
In modern usage, "arrant" is almost exclusively used to emphasize something negative, such as "arrant nonsense," "arrant fool," or "arrant coward." This strong negative connotation makes it a popular choice for crossword setters, as it guides solvers towards synonyms that convey a sense of absolute badness or completeness in a pejorative context. Understanding this nuance is key to cracking clues involving "arrant."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check the Clue's Context: While "arrant" itself is a synonym, its presence often hints that the answer will also be an intensifier, usually for a negative quality. Consider the tone of the clue.
- Match Letter Counts Carefully: Synonyms like UTTER (5 letters), RANK (4 letters), and SHEER (5 letters) are common. Use the number of letters provided in the puzzle to narrow down your options immediately.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: The most effective way to solve any crossword clue is to leverage intersecting letters from already solved words. This can often reveal a crucial letter that makes the "arrant" synonym obvious.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'arrant' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'arrant' typically points to words meaning complete, utter, or absolute, often emphasizing a negative quality like 'arrant nonsense' or 'arrant fool'. It suggests something of the highest degree in its kind, usually in a negative sense.
How can I find answers quickly for clues like 'arrant'?
When faced with 'arrant', focus on synonyms for 'complete' or 'absolute' that fit the letter count of your puzzle. Consider if the clue implies a negative connotation, as 'arrant' almost always does. Checking intersecting letters from other clues is also key to narrowing down possibilities.
Are there common synonyms for 'arrant' used in crosswords?
Yes, 'utter', 'rank', 'gross', 'sheer', and 'downright' are frequently used synonyms for 'arrant' in crossword puzzles. The best fit will depend on the number of letters required and the specific context of the overall clue or puzzle.