likely to crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the 'likely to' crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the most common and accurate solutions to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently. Dive in to find the perfect word for your grid!
Solutions for "likely to crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
APT: Suggests a natural inclination or suitability to do something.
4 Letters
TEND: Often used in the phrase 'tend to,' meaning to have a usual tendency or inclination.
5 Letters
PRONE: Implies being susceptible or disposed to something, often negative.
6 Letters
LIABLE: Means likely to do or be something, especially something undesirable or a risk.
More About "likely to crossword clue"
"Likely to" in a crossword puzzle is a phrase that often points to words indicating a probability, tendency, or predisposition. The key to solving these clues lies in understanding the subtle nuances between synonyms. For instance, 'APT' implies a natural, often positive, inclination, such as an 'apt student' who is likely to grasp concepts quickly. On the other hand, 'PRONE' usually carries a negative connotation, referring to a susceptibility to something undesirable, like being 'prone to error' or 'prone to accidents'.
Crossword setters use these variations to guide solvers toward the precise answer. While 'LIABLE' can also mean 'likely to,' it often suggests a legal or moral obligation, or a strong possibility of something negative occurring, such as 'liable to break.' Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for selecting the correct word from multiple possibilities that fit the letter count.
When you encounter 'likely to' in a clue, always consider the surrounding context within the clue itself. Is there another word that hints at a positive, negative, or neutral outcome? This small detail can be the difference between 'APT' and 'PRONE,' helping you confidently fill in your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Contextual Clues: Always read the entire clue carefully. Sometimes a seemingly straightforward phrase like "likely to" might have a hidden hint elsewhere in the clue that steers you towards a specific synonym like 'prone' (if the context is negative) or 'apt' (if positive/neutral).
- Letter Count Is King: Before you even start thinking of words, use the given letter count. For "likely to," knowing if it's a 3-letter, 4-letter, 5-letter, or 6-letter word immediately narrows down your options significantly, helping you discard unsuitable answers quickly.
- Synonym Nuances: Develop an understanding of the slight differences in meaning between similar words. 'Likely to' can mean prone, apt, liable, or even tend. Each has a slightly different nuance related to probability, tendency, or susceptibility. Building this vocabulary will make you a more efficient solver.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'likely to' mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'likely to' typically refers to a tendency, probability, or inclination. Answers often include synonyms like APT, PRONE, or LIABLE, which convey a sense of being predisposed or expected to do something.
How can I find synonyms for 'likely to'?
To find synonyms for 'likely to,' consider words that imply a high probability, inclination, or susceptibility. Think about the nuance – is it a natural tendency (apt), a negative susceptibility (prone), or a general probability (liable)? Consulting a thesaurus focused on these meanings can be very helpful.
Are 'prone' and 'apt' interchangeable in crosswords?
While both 'prone' and 'apt' suggest a likelihood, they are not always interchangeable. 'Apt' often implies a natural suitability or quickness ('apt student'), whereas 'prone' usually suggests a susceptibility to something, often negative or undesirable ('prone to accidents'). The specific context of the clue will indicate which word is a better fit.