crossword clue candour – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide to solving the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "candour," designed to help you complete your puzzle with ease and enhance your vocabulary.
Solutions for "crossword clue candour" by Letter Count
4 Letters
OPEN: Denoting a lack of concealment or evasiveness, characteristic of candour.
5 Letters
TRUTH: The quality of being true, often directly associated with the straightforwardness implied by candour.
BLUNT: Sometimes, candour can imply a directness that is unsoftened or abrupt.
7 Letters
HONESTY: The quality of being truthful and sincere, without deceit, a direct synonym for candour.
9 Letters
FRANKNESS: The quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or writing, even if unpalatable, which is a core aspect of candour.
PLAINNESS: Simplicity and directness in manner or expression, often related to candour.
10 Letters
DIRECTNESS: The quality of being straightforward and without circumlocution, a key attribute of candour.
More About "crossword clue candour"
"Candour" refers to the quality of being open, honest, and sincere in thought and expression. When you encounter this clue in a crossword, the setter is looking for a word that conveys straightforwardness, frankness, or a lack of artifice. It's about speaking one's mind directly, without evasion or pretense. This quality is highly valued in communication, though it can sometimes be perceived as bluntness.
The term originates from the Latin word "candor," meaning whiteness or purity, which evolved to imply moral purity and impartiality, and later, sincerity and openness. In crosswords, clues for "candour" often revolve around these core meanings, requiring solvers to think of synonyms that capture different nuances of open and honest communication. The length of the answer will dictate whether the solution is a short, sharp synonym like "OPEN" or a longer, more descriptive term like "FRANKNESS" or "HONESTY".
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most critical guide. For "candour," you might find short answers like "OPEN" or longer ones like "FRANKNESS." Always count the boxes!
- Consider Nuances: "Candour" isn't just about honesty; it also implies directness, sometimes to the point of bluntness. Think about all the synonyms and their subtle differences to fit the specific context of the puzzle.
- Look for Companion Clues: Sometimes, an adjacent clue or a theme within the puzzle might give you a hint. For example, if there's a clue about "deceit," "candour" might be an antonym.
- Use Starter Letters: If you have one or two letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to narrow down the possibilities. This is often the quickest way to confirm a suspected answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'candour' mean in crosswords?
'Candour' in crosswords typically refers to the quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in expression; frankness. Clues may hint at sincerity, lack of artifice, or bluntness, requiring you to find a synonym that matches the context and letter count.
How can I find synonyms for 'candour' in crosswords?
Consider words related to honesty, openness, directness, and sincerity. Think about different word lengths and less common synonyms. Using a thesaurus for 'candour' can be very helpful, or looking for antonyms like 'deceit' or 'secrecy' and then finding their opposites. Contextual clues in the puzzle are also vital.
Are there common pitfalls when solving clues like 'candour'?
A common pitfall is focusing too narrowly on one synonym. 'Candour' can have shades of meaning from polite openness to harsh bluntness. Also, ensure you match the precise part of speech (it's a noun here). Always double-check the number of letters required against your proposed answer.