crossword clue brood – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the crossword clue "brood", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by length, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Whether you're looking for a short answer or a longer one, we have you covered with clear explanations.
Solutions for "crossword clue brood" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FRET: To worry or be agitated about something.
MULL: To think about (a fact, proposal, or request) deeply and at length.
5 Letters
DWELL: To think, speak, or write at length about (a particular subject, especially one that is a source of anxiety or unhappiness).
HATCH: To emerge from an egg; or, to sit on eggs to cause them to hatch, as a bird might brood.
6 Letters
PONDER: To think about something carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion.
FAMILY: All the descendants of a common ancestor; often used to refer to a group of young animals hatched or born together.
8 Letters
RUMINATE: To think deeply about something, often dwelling on it at length.
More About "crossword clue brood"
"Brood" is a fascinating word in English, carrying a dual meaning that makes it a popular, albeit sometimes tricky, crossword clue. On one hand, it refers to the act of deep, often troubled, thought—to ponder, to mull over, or to fret. This psychological aspect highlights a state of intense internal focus, perhaps on worries or past events. This usage often implies a melancholic or introspective mood.
On the other hand, "brood" also has a biological meaning, referring to the young of an animal, especially a bird, produced at one hatching or birth. A hen sits on her eggs to "brood" them, ensuring their warmth and development. Subsequently, the group of chicks that emerge is her "brood." This meaning connects to concepts of nurturing, offspring, and the family unit in the animal kingdom.
Crossword setters cleverly use both interpretations to create challenging clues. Understanding the context—whether the clue hints at mental activity or a group of young—is key to finding the correct answer. The word's versatility makes it a rich source for various synonyms, ranging from verbs of thought to nouns for offspring.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words, like "brood," have more than one distinct meaning (e.g., a verb and a noun, or two different verb meanings). Always consider all possible interpretations of a clue.
- Check Letter Count: Once you have a potential answer, always verify its length against the number of boxes in the grid. This is your most reliable helper for narrowing down choices.
- Look at Intersecting Words: If you're stuck, try to solve intersecting clues first. Even one or two letters can give you the crucial hint needed to unlock "brood" or any other difficult word.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues related to feelings or actions, brainstorm synonyms. For "brood," words like 'ponder' or 'fret' are direct synonyms for its mental meaning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'brood' when it means to ponder?
When 'brood' means to think deeply or dwell on something, common synonyms include 'ponder,' 'mull,' 'ruminate,' 'fret,' and 'dwell.' These all imply a state of deep, often troubled, thought.
How can 'brood' refer to offspring?
In a biological context, a 'brood' refers to a group of young animals, especially birds or insects, born at the same time and cared for by the same parents. For example, a 'brood of chicks' refers to all the young birds from one hatching.
What's the difference between 'brooding' and simply 'thinking'?
While thinking is a general mental process, 'brooding' often implies a more intense, prolonged, and sometimes melancholic or anxious form of thinking. It suggests dwelling on something, often negative, for an extended period, rather than a light or fleeting thought.