hold dear crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "hold dear," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, organized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "hold dear crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LOVE: To cherish deeply and intimately; to feel a strong affection for.
5 Letters
VALUE: To regard highly; to consider important and precious.
PRIZE: To hold in high esteem or to value highly; to consider extremely valuable.
6 Letters
ESTEEM: To respect and admire; to hold in high regard.
REVERE: To feel deep respect or admiration for (something or someone).
7 Letters
CHERISH: To hold or treat as dear; to keep and protect fondly.
8 Letters
TREASURE: To keep or store up as valuable; to cherish, often in a sentimental way.
More About "hold dear crossword clue"
The clue "hold dear" is a classic example of how crosswords test your understanding of synonyms and idiomatic expressions. It's not about physically grasping something, but rather about the emotional act of cherishing, valuing, or having deep affection for a person, object, or concept. Common answers revolve around words that express high regard, such as LOVE, CHERISH, VALUE, and TREASURE. Recognizing this distinction is key to unlocking these types of clues.
This clue often appears in various crossword styles, from quick daily puzzles to more complex cryptic ones, although in the latter, it might be part of a larger wordplay. The beauty of such clues lies in their simplicity combined with a potential for multiple answers depending on the required letter count. Always cross-reference with letters you've already filled in to quickly determine the correct solution.
Understanding the nuance of "hold dear" can also expand your vocabulary beyond crossword puzzles, enriching your everyday language with synonyms for profound appreciation and affection. It's a testament to the power of words and their varied meanings.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always consider the overall theme of the crossword or the specific constructor's style. Sometimes, clues can have double meanings, but "hold dear" usually leans towards its sentimental interpretation.
- Count Your Letters: Before brainstorming, count the number of boxes available for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options significantly. For "hold dear," knowing if it's a 4-letter or 7-letter word is half the battle.
- Check Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by checking if it fits logically with intersecting words. If a letter doesn't make sense for a crossing clue, your chosen answer is likely incorrect.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For abstract clues like "hold dear," thinking of direct synonyms is crucial. Sometimes, considering its opposite (to disregard, to abandon) can also help trigger the correct answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "hold dear" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "hold dear" typically refers to the act of cherishing, valuing, or esteeming something or someone. It often points to synonyms for affection, high regard, or protecting something valuable, rather than a literal physical grip.
How can I find synonyms for "hold dear" quickly in a crossword?
Look for words like LOVE, VALUE, ADORE, CHERISH, PRIZE, ESTEEM, or TREASURE. Consider the number of letters required by the puzzle and any intersecting letters you already have filled in to narrow down the options.
Are there common pitfalls when solving clues like "hold dear"?
A common pitfall is interpreting "hold" literally. "Hold dear" is almost always about emotional or sentimental value, not physical possession. Also, pay attention to the part of speech; it's usually a verb but could sometimes imply a noun (like a 'treasure' as in 'something held dear').