excessively precise crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most accurate and comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "excessively precise crossword", complete with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "excessively precise crossword" by Letter Count
7 Letters
FINICKY: Describes someone who is overly particular or hard to satisfy, often due to an obsession with small details. This word captures the essence of being 'excessively precise' in a slightly negative or critical way.
8 Letters
PEDANTIC: Characterized by an excessive concern with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning. This term perfectly encapsulates 'excessively precise', especially when precision verges on showing off or being overly formal.
12 Letters
OVERSPECIFIC: Too detailed or precise, beyond what is necessary or helpful, sometimes to the point of being confusing or counterproductive. This direct compound word explicitly conveys the meaning of 'excessively precise'.
More About "excessively precise crossword"
The clue "excessively precise crossword" often points to answers that describe a meticulousness taken to an extreme, sometimes implying fussiness, rigidity, or an unnecessary focus on minute details. In the world of crosswords, such clues challenge solvers to think beyond simple synonyms and consider words with a subtle negative connotation or an emphasis on overdoing something. It's not just about being accurate; it's about being accurate to a fault.
These types of clues are common in more advanced puzzles, where the setter wants to differentiate between merely precise terms and those that carry the additional weight of being 'too much'. Understanding the nuances between words like "accurate," "meticulous," and "finicky" or "pedantic" is key. The addition of "excessively" transforms a neutral or positive trait into one that might be annoying or unhelpful in certain contexts.
When you encounter a clue like this, consider compound words or terms that inherently include the idea of 'too much', such as those starting with 'over-' or 'hyper-'. Thinking about how a quality like precision can become a flaw is central to solving these clues effectively.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Break Down Complex Clues: For multi-word clues like "excessively precise crossword," try to find synonyms for each part ("excessively" and "precise") independently, then combine or look for words that embody both concepts.
- Consider Connotations: Pay attention to words like "excessively," "too," or "unduly." These often signal answers with negative or amplified connotations, moving beyond simple definitions to describe a fault or an extreme.
- Look for Prefixes: Many words indicating excess start with common prefixes such as OVER- (e.g., overthink, overzealous), HYPER- (e.g., hyperactive, hypercritical), or MICRO- (e.g., micromanage).
- Think of Human Traits: "Excessively precise" can often refer to human characteristics or behaviors. Think about personality types or professions that might be described this way.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "excessively precise" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "excessively precise" refers to a clue or answer that is too exact, detailed, or particular. It often implies a negative connotation, suggesting that the level of detail is unnecessary or even pedantic, making the clue potentially harder to decipher if not handled carefully.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for 'excessively' clues?
Yes, clues implying 'excessively' often use prefixes like "OVER-", "HYPER-", "ULTRA-", or "MICRO-". For 'precise' aspects, look for words related to detail, exactness, or meticulousness. Sometimes, suffixes indicating a state of being too much, like '-ISH' or '-LY' might subtly hint at excess, though less directly.
How can I identify a "finicky" or "pedantic" answer in a crossword?
To identify such answers, look for clues that imply nitpicking, being overly strict, or focusing on trivial details. Clues might use words like 'fussy', 'particular', 'meticulous (too much)', 'stickler', or refer to someone who corrects others' minor errors. Contextual synonyms, anagrams, or even puns can often reveal these types of answers.