What does 'famished' mean in a crossword context?

'Famished' means extremely hungry. In crosswords, it usually points to synonyms like 'starving,' 'ravenous,' or simply 'hungry,' depending on the letter count.

Are there common alternative spellings for famished-related answers?

For the word 'famished' itself, there are no common alternative spellings. However, for its synonyms, crosswords might use British vs. American English spellings for related concepts (though not typically for hunger words). Always check for subtle clues or common abbreviations if an answer doesn't fit.

How can I tell the exact length needed for 'famished'?

The crossword grid itself will show you the exact number of boxes available for the answer. Match the number of letters in potential solutions (like STARVING, RAVENOUS, HUNGRY) to the number of boxes in your puzzle.

famished crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "famished crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track quickly.

Solutions for "famished crossword clue" by Letter Count

5 Letters

EMPTY: Feeling a sensation of hollowness due to lack of food, often used colloquially to mean hungry.

6 Letters

HUNGRY: Feeling or showing the need for food; a common and direct synonym for famished, though less intense.

8 Letters

STARVING: Extremely hungry, often to the point of suffering or needing sustenance urgently.

RAVENOUS: Very hungry, with a strong, often voracious appetite, similar to how a raven or wolf might eat.

More About "famished crossword clue"

"Famished" is a powerful adjective used to describe a state of extreme hunger. It's more intense than simply being "hungry" and often implies a prolonged period without food or a desperate need for sustenance. In crosswords, clues using "famished" often look for synonyms that convey this elevated level of need, making words like STARVING and RAVENOUS prime candidates, especially for longer letter counts.

The word itself has roots in the Old English "fāmian," meaning "to foam at the mouth," which evolved to mean suffering from hunger or thirst. This historical context highlights the intensity associated with being famished. When solving, consider the nuance of the clue – is it a simple state of hunger, or something more dire?

Often, crossword setters will use "famished" to test your vocabulary range for synonyms of hunger. Paying attention to the number of letters in the answer grid is crucial, as it narrows down the possibilities significantly, helping you choose between a mild "HUNGRY" and a more emphatic "STARVING."

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Count Your Letters: Always start by counting the number of boxes in the grid for the specific clue. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides your thought process towards words of the correct length.
Consider Synonyms and Intensity: For clues like "famished," think about the degree of the word. Is it a mild feeling or an extreme one? This helps differentiate between answers like "HUNGRY" and "STARVING."
Check Intersecting Words: Use letters from intersecting words to confirm or narrow down your choices. If you have a few letters, it becomes much easier to deduce the full word.
Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes crossword setters use less common synonyms or even colloquialisms. If the direct answer doesn't fit, consider slightly broader interpretations of the clue.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between "famished" and "hungry" in crosswords?

While both relate to a need for food, "famished" implies a much more intense or extreme state of hunger than "hungry." In crosswords, if the available letters are few, "HUNGRY" might be the answer. If more letters are available, stronger synonyms like "STARVING" or "RAVENOUS" are likely what the setter is looking for.

How do I know if the answer is singular or plural for hunger-related clues?

Hunger-related words like "famished" are usually singular adjectives, so their answers will also be singular (e.g., STARVING). Plural answers would only apply if the clue was phrased to indicate multiple instances or things (e.g., "Those who are famished"). Always check the clue's grammar.

What if none of these answers fit my crossword?

Crossword clues can sometimes have multiple valid answers depending on the setter or the specific puzzle. If our provided answers don't fit, double-check the intersecting letters from other solved clues. Sometimes a slight variation or a less common synonym is used. Also, ensure you have the correct letter count from your grid.