crossword clue minute – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! We've got the most comprehensive list of solutions for the clue "crossword clue minute," designed to help you conquer even the trickiest puzzles. Explore all possible answers, broken down by letter count, with clear explanations to enhance your crossword skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue minute" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TINY: Refers to something extremely small, a common meaning for 'minute' when pronounced differently (my-NOOT).
5 Letters
SMALL: Another common synonym for 'minute' in the sense of being little in size.
6 Letters
MOMENT: A very brief period of time, often used in crosswords when 'minute' implies a short duration (MIN-it).
RECORD: As a verb, 'to minute' means to make a written record, especially of proceedings (MIN-it).
More About "crossword clue minute"
The word "minute" is a fascinating example of a homograph in the English language, carrying two distinct meanings and pronunciations, both of which can appear as crossword clues. When pronounced 'MIN-it', it refers to a unit of time (sixty seconds) or a short period. When pronounced 'my-NOOT', it describes something exceedingly small or detailed.
In crosswords, constructors frequently exploit these dual meanings, creating clever clues that can trip up solvers. The context of the clue and the number of letters in the expected answer are crucial. For instance, a clue like "Sixty seconds" points to the time unit, while "Tiny" clearly indicates the size adjective. Being aware of these distinctions is key to solving the puzzle correctly.
Additionally, "minute" can also function as a verb, meaning to record official proceedings or notes, as in "to minute the discussions." This adds another layer of complexity and potential for clueing in crosswords, requiring solvers to consider all grammatical possibilities and meanings.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Homographs: Always be mindful of words like "minute" that have multiple pronunciations and meanings. The clue often subtly hints at which one is intended.
- Check Letter Count: The exact number of letters needed for the answer is your best friend. It significantly narrows down the possibilities, especially for words with multiple meanings.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use the letters from solved intersecting clues to confirm or eliminate potential answers. This is often the quickest way to resolve ambiguity.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword clues often rely on wordplay, direct synonyms, or even antonyms. Brainstorm words related to all possible meanings of the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which meaning of 'minute' is intended in a crossword?
The context of the surrounding clues and the number of letters in the answer are key. If the clue hints at size (e.g., 'tiny'), it's likely 'my-NOOT'. If it hints at time or recording (e.g., 'brief period' or 'log'), it's likely 'MIN-it'. Checking the intersecting letters will often confirm the correct pronunciation and meaning.
Are time units common crossword clues?
Yes, units of time (second, minute, hour, day, week, month, year, eon) are very common in crosswords. They are versatile and can be clued in many ways, often playing on synonyms for duration or specific measurements.
What's the difference between 'minute' (my-NOOT) and 'minute' (MIN-it)?
These are homographs (words spelled the same but with different meanings and often pronunciations). 'Minute' (my-NOOT) is an adjective meaning extremely small or tiny. 'Minute' (MIN-it) is a noun meaning a unit of time (60 seconds) or a brief period, and also a verb meaning to record something in writing.