fine crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the crossword clue "fine crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you solve your puzzle with ease. 'Fine' is a wonderfully versatile word, often leading to multiple interpretations in crosswords, from quality to penalty or even texture.
Solutions for "fine crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MINT: Often used to describe something in excellent, unspoiled condition, implying high quality or 'fine-ness'.
LEVY: Refers to a tax, fee, or fine, especially one imposed by an authority. Directly relates to 'fine' as a penalty.
6 Letters
SUPERB: Meaning excellent or magnificent, aligning with the qualitative interpretation of 'fine'.
POWDER: Consists of very fine particles, fitting the description of something being 'fine' in texture or granularity.
8 Letters
DELICATE: Suggests something of fine texture, structure, or quality, often implying fragility or intricate detail.
More About "fine crossword clue"
The word "fine" is a classic example of a homograph in the English language, meaning it can be spelled the same but have different meanings and origins. In crosswords, this ambiguity is frequently exploited to create challenging clues. It can refer to something of high quality or excellence (e.g., 'a fine wine'), a sum of money exacted as a penalty (e.g., 'a parking fine'), or even describe the texture of something as very thin or minute (e.g., 'fine sand').
Understanding the context is paramount when encountering "fine" in a clue. Does the clue imply a positive attribute, a legal consequence, or a physical characteristic? Often, the number of letters required for the answer, or the letters already filled in from intersecting words, will guide you towards the correct interpretation. Crossword setters love to play on these multiple meanings, so being aware of the different facets of 'fine' will give you a significant advantage.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always brainstorm all possible meanings of a word like 'fine.' Don't just stick to the first definition that comes to mind.
- Check Word Length: The number of letters in the answer often narrows down the possibilities significantly. A 4-letter answer for 'fine' will be different from an 8-letter answer.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: The letters you already have from crossing words are your best friends. They can eliminate many incorrect answers instantly and confirm the correct one.
- Think About the Puzzle's Theme or Setter: Some puzzles or setters have a tendency towards certain types of clues (e.g., puns, specific domains like nature or law). This might hint at which meaning of 'fine' is intended.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common interpretations of 'fine' in crosswords?
The word 'fine' is incredibly versatile in crosswords. It can refer to high quality (e.g., excellent, superb), a monetary penalty (e.g., levy, charge), delicate or thin texture (e.g., airy, subtle), or even small particles (e.g., dust, powder). Context from other intersecting words is key to determining the correct meaning.
How can I distinguish between 'fine' as quality and 'fine' as a penalty?
Look at the clue's surrounding words. If it's 'a fine quality,' it points to excellence. If it's 'pay a fine,' it indicates a penalty. Also, consider the word length. Shorter answers like 'MINT' or 'LEVY' might fit either, so intersecting letters are crucial. Longer answers might give more specific context, like 'DEMURRAGE' for a penalty or 'SUPERIOR' for quality.
Are there synonyms for 'fine' that frequently appear as crossword answers?
Yes, many! For quality: GOOD, GREAT, EXCELLENT, SUPERB, CHOICE, PRIME, MINT. For penalty: LEVY, TARIFF, CHARGE, PENALTY. For delicate/thin: GAUZY, AIRY, THIN, SUBTLE, DELICATE. For small particles: DUST, GRIT, POWDER. For weather: CLEAR, SUNNY.