crossword clue prima donna – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "prima donna," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the common solutions, explanations, and helpful tips to get you back on track.
Solutions for "crossword clue prima donna" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DIVA: A principal female opera singer, often known for being temperamental or demanding. This is by far the most common answer for 'prima donna' in crosswords.
STAR: A highly celebrated professional in a field, which can sometimes imply a 'prima donna' personality due to their prominence and perceived demanding nature.
5 Letters
QUEEN: Often used figuratively to describe a dominant, imperious, or demanding woman, fitting the 'prima donna' persona.
7 Letters
SOPRANO: The highest female singing voice, often associated with the leading female role in an opera, directly aligning with the literal meaning of 'prima donna'.
EGOTIST: A person who is excessively conceited or absorbed in themselves, perfectly matching the behavioral characteristics often attributed to a 'prima donna'.
More About "crossword clue prima donna"
"Prima donna" literally translates from Italian as "first lady" and originally referred to the principal female singer in an opera or a leading female performer in any artistic field. Over time, its meaning evolved to describe a person who is conceited, temperamental, or highly demanding, particularly if they believe they are indispensable and thus deserving of special treatment. This dual meaning makes it a versatile and popular clue in crosswords.
When encountering this clue, crossword constructors often leverage both the literal operatic meaning and the more common figurative sense. This means potential answers can range from terms directly related to singing roles (like SOPRANO or DIVA) to words describing a demanding personality (like EGOTIST or QUEEN). Understanding this nuance is key to solving the clue effectively, as the letter count and intersecting letters will guide you to the correct interpretation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider both meanings: Always remember "prima donna" can mean a lead opera singer OR a difficult, demanding person. Check the letter count and surrounding letters for hints.
- Look for synonyms of personality traits: If the letter count doesn't fit a musical term, think about words for 'demanding', 'self-centered', or 'temperamental'.
- Check for common crossword answers: Words like DIVA are recurring answers for this clue due to their perfect fit for both meanings. Keep a mental list of these common go-to solutions.
- Use context from intersecting clues: The letters revealed by other solved clues are your most powerful tool. They can quickly narrow down whether the answer is 'DIVA' or 'SOPRANO', for example.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for 'prima donna' in crosswords?
The most frequent and widely accepted answer for 'prima donna' in crosswords is DIVA. It's concise and perfectly captures both the literal (opera singer) and figurative (temperamental person) meanings of the clue.
Can 'prima donna' refer to a man in crosswords?
While 'prima donna' traditionally refers to a woman (literally 'first lady' in Italian opera), in common English usage, it can metaphorically describe any person, regardless of gender, who is temperamental, demanding, or self-important. Crossword clues often play on these extended meanings, so answers like EGOTIST or STAR could potentially apply to a man in context.
How do I differentiate between similar opera-related clues?
To differentiate, always pay attention to the letter count, specific phrasing of the clue (e.g., 'female singer' vs. 'temperamental one'), and any intersecting letters from other clues. 'Prima donna' often hints at a specific type of opera singer or a personality trait, while clues for 'aria' or 'libretto' would refer to parts of an opera itself. Context is key!