ill tempered crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions for the crossword clue "ill tempered" to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Below you'll find answers categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations.
Solutions for "ill tempered crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SURLY: Bad-tempered and unfriendly.
6 Letters
CRABBY: Irritable and ill-tempered, often used to describe someone easily annoyed.
GRUMPY: Bad-tempered and sulky.
7 Letters
PEEVISH: Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.
GROUCHY: Perpetually irritable or ill-tempered.
8 Letters
CHOLERIC: Easily angered; bad-tempered, often associated with a quick temper.
More About "ill tempered crossword puzzle clue"
The term "ill tempered" refers to someone who is easily annoyed or angered, often displaying a sour or irritable disposition. In the world of crosswords, this clue is a classic and can lead to a variety of synonyms depending on the specific word length required by the puzzle grid. Common answers often evoke a sense of grumpiness or a quickness to anger.
When encountering "ill tempered" in a crossword, consider the context of the puzzle, such as any surrounding words or the overall theme. Puzzle setters love to play with synonyms and their subtle differences. For instance, while 'GRUMPY' and 'SURLY' both suggest ill temper, 'SURLY' might imply a more sullen and unfriendly demeanor, whereas 'GRUMPY' often means generally irritable.
Exploring the nuances of words related to temperament not only helps in solving crosswords but also enriches one's vocabulary. Recognizing patterns in how these types of clues are set can significantly improve your solve rate, making you a more efficient and successful puzzler.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required for the answer. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities for 'ill tempered' and similar clues.
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: Think about the different shades of meaning for "ill tempered." Is the clue implying someone just a little irritable (like PEEVISH) or someone prone to outbursts (like CHOLERIC)?
- Use Cross-References: Don't try to solve the clue in isolation. Look at intersecting words to fill in letters. Even one letter can often point you to the correct "ill tempered" synonym.
- Look for Common Endings: Many adjectives describing personality traits, including those for ill temper, often end in 'Y' (e.g., CRABBY, GRUMPY) or 'ISH' (e.g., PEEVISH).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for 'ill tempered' in crosswords?
Crossword clues often have multiple synonyms that fit, depending on the number of letters required and the specific nuance implied by the puzzle setter. 'Ill tempered' is a broad term, allowing for many similar words like grumpy, surly, or peevish.
How does context help when solving an 'ill tempered' clue?
The surrounding letters in the grid are crucial. If you have a few letters already filled in, they will significantly narrow down the possible solutions for 'ill tempered,' helping you choose between similarly themed words of different lengths or with different starting/ending letters.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for 'ill tempered' answers?
While not always direct prefixes or suffixes, common endings like -Y (e.g., GRUMPY, CRABBY, SURLY) or -ISH (e.g., PEEVISH) are frequent. Being aware of these patterns can sometimes give you a hint for common crossword solutions related to temperament.