crossword clue water lily – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Struggling with the clue "water lily"? You've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack that puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue water lily" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LILY: The most direct and common answer, as a water lily is a specific type of lily adapted to aquatic environments.
5 Letters
LOTUS: An alternative aquatic flowering plant, often culturally associated with or used interchangeably with water lilies in puzzles, especially in Asian contexts.
NAIAD: In Greek mythology, a type of female spirit or nymph that presides over natural water sources. This answer connects to the "water" aspect of the clue in a more lateral, mythological sense.
NYMPH: A general term for a mythological spirit of nature imagined as a beautiful maiden inhabiting woods, rivers, and other locations, linking to the 'water' element of the clue.
More About "crossword clue water lily"
Water lilies are captivating aquatic plants belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae. Known for their large, floating leaves (pads) and stunningly beautiful flowers, they thrive in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across the globe. These resilient plants play a crucial ecological role, providing shade and habitat for aquatic life, and are also celebrated for their ornamental value in gardens and landscapes.
Beyond their biological significance, water lilies hold deep cultural and symbolic meanings in many societies. They often represent purity, rebirth, and beauty, emerging unsullied from muddy waters. This rich symbolism makes them a popular subject not just in nature, but also in art, literature, and, of course, in the clever wordplay of crossword puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. As seen with "water lily", a clue can have multiple valid solutions depending on length (e.g., LILY for 4 letters, LOTUS for 5).
- Consider Lateral Thinking: Crossword setters often use wordplay, synonyms, or related concepts. "Water lily" might not just be about the plant, but also a water spirit or related term, as shown with NAIAD or NYMPH.
- Look for Clue Indicators: Pay attention to words like "perhaps", "maybe", or "in part", which might suggest a less direct or partial answer. Also, check for abbreviations or specific fields (e.g., "myth." for mythology).
- Use Cross-References: Don't forget that answers you've already filled in from intersecting clues can provide crucial letters for the tricky ones, narrowing down possibilities significantly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a water lily in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'water lily' often refers to the aquatic plant itself, leading to answers like 'LILY' or 'LOTUS'. However, clues can also point to related concepts such as mythological water spirits like 'NAIAD' or 'NYMPH', leveraging the 'water' component of the clue.
How many letters is a common answer for 'water lily'?
Common answers for 'water lily' typically range from 4 to 5 letters. 'LILY' is a frequent 4-letter solution, while 'LOTUS', 'NAIAD', and 'NYMPH' are common 5-letter options. The required length in your puzzle will guide you.
Are 'water lily' and 'lotus' the same in crosswords?
While biologically distinct plants, 'water lily' and 'lotus' are often used interchangeably or as alternative solutions for similar clues in crosswords due to their shared aquatic environment and symbolic associations. Always consider the context and letter count.