crossword clue rarely – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "crossword clue rarely", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue rarely" by Letter Count
6 Letters
SELDOM: Meaning 'not often; rarely'. This is a very common answer for 'rarely' in crosswords, often seen in puzzles of various difficulties.
HARDLY: Implies 'barely' or 'scarcely ever'. Another frequent synonym for 'rarely', especially when the context leans towards a low degree or infrequency.
8 Letters
SCARCELY: Means 'only just' or 'almost not'. A strong candidate for 'rarely' when more letters are required, indicating a very small amount or frequency.
More About "crossword clue rarely"
The clue "rarely" in crosswords almost invariably points to an adverb of frequency, indicating something that happens infrequently or not often. Common synonyms that fit this description include words like SELDOM, HARDLY, and SCARCELY. These terms are often interchangeable in everyday language, but in a crossword puzzle, the exact answer is determined by the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues you've already solved.
When encountering "rarely," your mind should immediately go to adverbs. Crossword setters love to use these straightforward clues as anchors or to fill in trickier sections of the puzzle. The simplicity of the clue often hides the need to consider multiple potential answers before finding the perfect fit for the grid.
Understanding the nuances between words like "seldom" and "hardly" might not be critical for their definition, but for a crossword solver, knowing all common synonyms and their lengths is a huge advantage. This allows for quick identification of possibilities and a faster, more enjoyable solving experience.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonyms: For clues like "rarely," always consider all possible synonyms that are adverbs of frequency. Brainstorm a list of words that mean "not often."
- Count Letters Carefully: Once you have a few potential answers, check the exact number of letters required for the blank. This is often the quickest way to eliminate incorrect options.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The most reliable method to confirm your answer is to use letters from words you've already solved that intersect with your target clue. If an answer doesn't fit the intersecting letters, it's not the correct one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'rarely' mean in crossword context?
In crosswords, 'rarely' typically points to adverbs of infrequency, such as SELDOM, HARDLY, or SCARCELY. The specific answer depends on the number of letters and intersecting words available in your puzzle.
Are there common traps with 'rarely' clues?
While 'rarely' is an adverb, solvers sometimes mistakenly look for noun forms or adjectives. Always remember to stick to adverbs that convey infrequency or scarcity for this clue type.
How do I find the right answer when multiple words fit 'rarely'?
When several answers fit 'rarely' (e.g., SELDOM and HARDLY), the best strategy is to use the given letter count of the blank, and more importantly, the letters from intersecting words you've already solved from other clues. This will narrow down the possibilities to the unique correct answer.