large and ungainly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "large and ungainly" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with their explanations to help you complete your grid.
Solutions for "large and ungainly crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
CLUMSY: Awkward in movement or handling things; often used to describe someone or something large that moves without grace.
7 Letters
AWKWARD: Difficult to handle, use, or deal with, often due to shape or size, fitting the 'ungainly' aspect well.
9 Letters
LUMBERING: Moving in a slow, heavy, and awkward way; a perfect fit for something large that is also ungainly.
11 Letters
ELEPHANTINE: Resembling an elephant, especially in being large, clumsy, or ponderous; directly combines 'large' and 'ungainly'.
More About "large and ungainly crossword clue"
The clue "large and ungainly" is a classic example of a descriptive clue that requires you to think of adjectives or participles that convey both size and a lack of grace in movement or appearance. Words like 'clumsy' and 'awkward' are common synonyms for 'ungainly', while 'lumbering' specifically describes the motion of something large and heavy.
When you encounter such clues, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a general knowledge crossword, or does it have a specific theme? Sometimes, the answer might be a less common synonym or a more evocative word like 'elephantine', which directly links a large animal with an ungainly characteristic.
Paying attention to the number of letters provided is crucial, as it immediately narrows down your options. If a six-letter word is needed, 'CLUMSY' is a strong contender. For a longer space, 'LUMBERING' or 'ELEPHANTINE' might be the intended answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Both Parts of the Clue: Break down complex clues like "large and ungainly" into their core components. 'Large' gives you size, 'ungainly' gives you a characteristic of movement or appearance. Brainstorm synonyms for each part individually, then look for words that combine both meanings.
- Consider Verbs and Adjectives: Clues describing states or actions often point to adjectives (like 'clumsy', 'awkward') or present participles used as adjectives (like 'lumbering'). Think about how these word types fit the clue's tone.
- Use Cross-References: Don't be afraid to use intersecting words as hints. If you have a few letters from a crossing word, it can significantly help you identify the correct answer for 'large and ungainly' from the possible options.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ungainly' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'ungainly' typically refers to something that is awkward, clumsy, or not graceful in movement or appearance. It often hints at words describing ponderous or large physical characteristics, like 'lumbering' or 'clumsy'.
How do I approach clues combining size and movement?
When a clue combines size ('large') with a characteristic of movement ('ungainly'), think about adjectives that describe how big things move or appear. Words like 'ponderous', 'awkward', 'lumbering', or 'clumsy' are common fits. Consider animals known for their size and how they move, like elephants or bears.
Are there common crossword patterns for 'large and ungainly'?
Such clues often lead to adjectives ending in -Y or -ING (e.g., CLUMSY, LUMBERING), or words that are synonyms for awkwardness. Pay attention to the number of letters provided as it will narrow down the possibilities significantly. Sometimes, more descriptive words like 'ELEPHANTINE' might appear for longer answers.