crossword clue vest – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Searching for solutions to "crossword clue vest"? You've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate answers with explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Explore all possible answers by length below.
Solutions for "crossword clue vest" by Letter Count
3 Letters
TOP: A generic term for a piece of clothing worn on the upper body, sometimes used for a simple vest-like garment.
5 Letters
GILET: A lightweight, often padded, sleeveless jacket, common in European fashion.
IMBUE: To inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality, as in 'to vest with a certain quality'.
GRANT: To agree to give or allow, often used in the context of 'vesting power' or 'granting authority'.
9 Letters
WAISTCOAT: A sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, often part of a suit, commonly known as a 'vest' in American English.
More About "crossword clue vest"
The crossword clue "vest" is a particularly interesting one because it highlights a common linguistic feature: homographs. A homograph is a word that is spelled the same as another word but has a different meaning and often a different origin. In the case of "vest," it can refer to a piece of clothing, or it can be a verb meaning to confer power, authority, or property upon someone.
This dual nature means that when you encounter "vest" in a crossword, you must consider both possibilities. Is the puzzle looking for a synonym for a garment (like a waistcoat, gilet, or even a top)? Or is it seeking a word that means to imbue, to grant, or to entitle someone with something? The letter count of the answer and the context from intersecting clues are crucial for determining the correct path.
Understanding these nuances is key to becoming a proficient crossword solver. Clues like "vest" test your vocabulary breadth and your ability to think flexibly about word meanings, making them both challenging and rewarding to solve.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Identify Homographs: Always be aware that words like "vest" can have multiple meanings. When a clue seems simple but doesn't immediately yield an answer, consider alternative interpretations of the word.
- Match Letter Count: The number of letters provided for the answer is your best friend. Use it to quickly eliminate possibilities that don't fit the length, narrowing down your choices significantly.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "vest," think broadly about synonyms for both the noun (garments) and the verb (confer, grant). Sometimes, crosswords use antonyms or related concepts.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: The most powerful strategy in crosswords is using the letters you get from solving other clues. These intersecting letters will confirm or rule out your potential answers for "vest."
- Consider the Puzzle's Theme: Some crosswords have a theme that might lean towards clothing, legal terms, or actions. A theme can often give you a hint as to which meaning of "vest" is intended.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'vest' have so many different answers in crosswords?
The clue 'vest' is a classic example of a homograph, a word with multiple meanings. It can refer to a piece of clothing (like a waistcoat or gilet) or to a verb meaning 'to confer power or property upon someone' (as in 'rights vested in the people'). This duality allows for a wide range of correct answers depending on the context of the puzzle.
What's the difference between a 'vest' and a 'waistcoat'?
In American English, a 'vest' typically refers to a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, often as part of a three-piece suit, which is what the British call a 'waistcoat'. However, 'vest' can also refer to an undershirt in British English, or a gilet (a padded, sleeveless jacket) in both. 'Waistcoat' specifically refers to the more formal suit garment.
How can I determine if 'vest' refers to clothing or an action in a crossword clue?
To discern the correct meaning, consider the letter count (clothing terms like 'WAISTCOAT' are longer than verbs like 'IMBUE' or 'GRANT'). Also, look at intersecting clues; if an intersecting word is clearly a verb, the 'vest' answer might also be a verb. Finally, the overall theme or style of the crossword can sometimes offer clues.