give pain or grief to crossword – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue "give pain or grief to crossword"? You've come to the right place! We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you need a quick hint or a full solution, you'll find it here.
Solutions for "give pain or grief to crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HURT: To cause physical or emotional pain to someone.
PAIN: To cause suffering or distress, often used as a verb in this context.
6 Letters
GRIEVE: To feel or cause deep sorrow or distress, typically for someone's death or loss.
SADDEN: To make someone feel unhappy or sorrowful; to cause sadness.
7 Letters
AFFLICT: To cause pain or suffering to; to affect or trouble profoundly.
TORMENT: To cause severe physical or mental suffering; to vex or annoy greatly.
8 Letters
DISTRESS: To cause anxiety, sorrow, or pain to; to trouble or bother.
More About "give pain or grief to crossword"
The clue "give pain or grief to" is a classic example of a crossword setter asking for a verb that denotes causing suffering, either physical or emotional. Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they can have multiple synonyms of varying lengths, allowing for flexibility in grid design. Words like HURT, GRIEVE, and AFFLICT are common answers due to their direct and unambiguous meaning in this context.
Understanding the nuances of these verbs is key. For instance, while 'HURT' can be both physical and emotional, 'GRIEVE' is almost exclusively tied to deep emotional sorrow. 'AFFLICT' often suggests a prolonged state of suffering, sometimes caused by disease or a persistent problem. Paying attention to any other accompanying words in the clue or the context of the puzzle can help you determine the most fitting answer.
When you encounter such a clue, consider the general tone of the puzzle. Is it light-hearted, or does it delve into more serious topics? This can sometimes offer a subtle hint towards the intended answer, guiding you between words that imply mild discomfort versus profound anguish. Always cross-reference with letters you've already filled in to confirm your choice.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: For clues like "give pain or grief to," knowing the exact number of letters is your most powerful tool. It immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly, as demonstrated in our answer groups above.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think about words that mean the opposite of "give pain or grief to" (e.g., comfort, console). Sometimes, thinking of antonyms can indirectly lead you to the right synonym through a different train of thought.
- Check for Homographs/Homophones: While less common for direct verb clues, some words can have multiple meanings or sound alike. Always consider if the clue might be a play on words, though "give pain or grief to" is usually quite straightforward.
- Utilize Cross-References: Don't try to solve a challenging clue in isolation. Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is often the quickest way to confirm a challenging answer or eliminate incorrect possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "give pain or grief to" mean in a crossword context?
It typically refers to verbs that describe causing suffering, sorrow, or physical discomfort to someone. Common synonyms include words like 'hurt,' 'grieve,' or 'afflict'.
Are there common word lengths for answers like this?
Answers can vary greatly in length depending on the exact nuance. Common lengths include 4-letter words like "HURT" or "PAIN," 6-letter words like "GRIEVE" or "SADDEN," and longer ones such as "AFFLICT" (7 letters) or "DISTRESS" (8 letters).
How can I distinguish between similar answers like "pain" and "grieve"?
"Pain" often implies physical suffering, though it can be emotional, while "grieve" specifically implies causing deep sorrow or sadness. Context from surrounding letters in the grid, the puzzle's theme, or the specific publication can help narrow down the precise word.