functional rather than attractive crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "functional rather than attractive," you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate solutions and helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "functional rather than attractive crossword clue" by Letter Count
11 Letters
UTILITARIAN: Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive.
9 Letters
PRACTICAL: Concerned with the actual doing or use of something, rather than with theory and ideas.
7 Letters
AUSTERE: Very plain and simple in style or appearance, often implying a lack of luxury or ornamentation.
More About "functional rather than attractive crossword clue"
The clue "functional rather than attractive" directs solvers to consider words that prioritize utility, efficiency, and purpose over aesthetic appeal. This often implies a design or object stripped down to its essential components, devoid of unnecessary embellishments or decorative elements. Such a concept is common in design principles like minimalism, where form follows function.
In crosswords, these types of clues test your vocabulary related to design, architecture, and general descriptions of objects or environments. The answers typically revolve around terms that highlight a starkness, practicality, or an emphasis on the 'what it does' over the 'how it looks.' Understanding this core concept helps in identifying fitting synonyms.
Words like UTILITARIAN, PRACTICAL, and AUSTERE are prime examples, each conveying a nuance of this idea. UTILITARIAN directly speaks to usefulness, PRACTICAL to feasibility and effectiveness, and AUSTERE to a severe simplicity. Recognizing these distinctions can often be the key to selecting the correct answer based on the available letters.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "functional rather than attractive," pay close attention to the implied contrast. Is it about pure function, or about a deliberate lack of attractiveness? This distinction can lead to different synonyms.
- Consider Letter Count First: After understanding the clue, always cross-reference with the number of letters. This significantly narrows down the possibilities and helps you discard words that are too long or too short.
- Think of Opposites and Synonyms: If a clue describes something by what it ISN'T (e.g., "rather than attractive"), think of synonyms for the opposite concept (attractive) and then antonyms for those. Also, directly brainstorm synonyms for the core concept ("functional").
- Look for Common Crossword Themes: Crosswords often recycle common concepts and their associated vocabulary. Over time, you'll learn that certain types of clues frequently lead to specific sets of answers, especially for ideas like simplicity, beauty, or utility.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'functional rather than attractive' mean in a crossword?
In a crossword, 'functional rather than attractive' is a clue that points to words describing utility, practicality, or a lack of ornamentation. It directs you to think about purpose over aesthetics.
How do I approach clues about design or aesthetics in crosswords?
When encountering clues about design or aesthetics, consider both positive and negative connotations. Think of synonyms for beauty, ugliness, simplicity, or complexity. Also, consider the opposite of the clue's sentiment if it suggests a lack of something.
Are there common synonyms for 'functional' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'functional' that might appear in crosswords include PRACTICAL, UTILITARIAN, OPERATIONAL, WORKING, PLAIN, AUSTERE, and EFFICIENT, depending on the specific nuance and letter count required.