crossword first – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the crossword clue "crossword first", you've come to the right place. We provide accurate solutions across various letter counts, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword first" by Letter Count
5 Letters
START: A common synonym for beginning or initial position, often a direct answer for 'first' in a puzzle context.
ALPHA: The first letter of the Greek alphabet, commonly used to denote 'first' or 'beginning' in a more symbolic or foundational sense.
7 Letters
INITIAL: Referring to something occurring at the beginning, or the first letter of a name. A very direct synonym for 'first'.
8 Letters
PREMIERE: The first public performance or showing of a work, such as a play or film.
More About "crossword first"
The clue "crossword first" can be interpreted in a few intriguing ways within the world of crosswords. Most commonly, it's a straightforward request for a synonym of "first" or "beginning," leading to answers like START or INITIAL. However, the elegance of crossword clues often lies in their double meanings. "First" could also refer to the initial letter of a word or phrase mentioned elsewhere in the clue, or even symbolically to concepts like origin or primary importance, such as ALPHA or PRIME.
Understanding the nuances of such seemingly simple words is key to becoming a proficient solver. Pay attention to the context of the puzzle, the setter's typical style, and any additional indicators in the clue itself. Sometimes, the brevity of a clue like "first" forces you to consider a wider range of possibilities than a more verbose one would.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms broadly: For clues like "first," think beyond the most obvious synonyms. Words like "initial," "premier," "alpha," "prime," or even "earliest" can all fit.
- Check crossing letters: If you're stuck, use the letters from intersecting words. They often reveal the correct answer, especially when a clue has multiple plausible solutions.
- Look for indicators: Some clues might hint at abbreviations (e.g., "first of January" might be JAN), or specific fields of knowledge (e.g., "first principle" might point to a philosophical term).
- Break down complex clues: Even short clues can hide complexities. If "first" appears as part of a longer phrase, analyze each component of the clue separately.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'first' often imply in a crossword clue?
'First' in a crossword clue can imply several things: a direct synonym (like START, BEGINNING, INITIAL), the beginning part of a word or phrase (e.g., 'first letter of America' would be A), or a concept related to priority or origin (like PRIME, ALPHA, LEADING). The context of the puzzle and other crossing letters usually helps clarify the intended meaning.
Are there common synonyms for 'first' used in crosswords?
Yes, many common synonyms for 'first' are frequently used. These include INITIAL, PRIME, LEADING, PREMIER, FOREMOST, ORIGINAL, and START. Sometimes, clues might use more obscure or figurative synonyms, requiring a deeper understanding of the word's nuances.
How do I determine the letter count for a 'first' clue?
The letter count for a 'first' clue is determined by the specific word or concept that fits the grid. If the clue directly points to a synonym, the count will match that synonym's length (e.g., START is 5 letters). If it's asking for the first letter of another word, the answer would typically be 1 letter. Always rely on the number provided in the crossword grid for the exact length.