lingered crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "lingered" clue, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "lingered crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
IDLED: Stayed inactive or wasted time without purpose.
6 Letters
STAYED: Remained in a place or condition; didn't leave.
WAITED: Remained in readiness or expectation; delayed action.
7 Letters
DAWDLED: Wasted time; moved slowly and idly.
TARRIED: Stayed longer than intended; delayed departure.
8 Letters
LOITERED: Stood or waited around idly or without apparent purpose.
More About "lingered crossword clue"
"Lingered" is a common crossword clue that often appears in various daily puzzles, from quick crosswords to more complex cryptic ones. The core meaning revolves around staying in a place or state longer than expected, or a sense of delay and reluctance to move on. This past-tense verb can have multiple synonyms, making it a versatile clue for setters to use across different word lengths.
When encountering "lingered," consider the nuance. Did something linger physically (like a guest who wouldn't leave), or metaphorically (like a memory or a scent)? This distinction can help you narrow down the possibilities. For instance, 'IDLED' implies inactivity, while 'DAWDLED' suggests a slow, meandering movement. The key is to match the exact shade of meaning with the available letters in your grid.
Puzzle constructors often use such common verbs because they have a rich vocabulary of synonyms. Therefore, building your mental thesaurus for words like "lingered" is an excellent strategy for improving your crossword-solving speed and accuracy. Remember, context within the puzzle (e.g., surrounding letters, theme) can also provide vital hints.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: "Lingered" is a past-tense verb. Ensure your answer is also a past-tense verb. This simple check can eliminate many incorrect options.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think of words that mean the same or the opposite of "lingered." Sometimes the clue might be a synonym for an antonym (e.g., "didn't rush" could lead to "lingered").
- Check Letter Count Carefully: Always double-check the number of letters required. Common answers for "lingered" vary significantly in length (e.g., IDLED, STAYED, DAWDLED, LOITERED). Our list above categorizes them by length for your convenience.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Some common verbs that mean to linger might start or end with typical prefixes/suffixes that can help you fit them into the grid.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'lingered' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'lingered' typically points to synonyms like 'stayed', 'waited', 'tarried', or 'dawdled', often implying a sense of delay or reluctance to leave. It suggests remaining in a place or state longer than necessary.
How can I find the correct length for 'lingered' answers?
Always check the number of blanks provided in the puzzle or the parenthetical number next to the clue. Common lengths for 'lingered' related answers include 5 (e.g., IDLED), 6 (e.g., STAYED, WAITED), 7 (e.g., DAWDLED, TARRIED), and 8 (e.g., LOITERED).
Are there any common tricks for 'lingered' clues?
Sometimes 'lingered' might imply a past tense of a verb that means to 'hang around' (e.g., HUNG AROUND). Also, consider if it's part of a longer phrase or a more abstract synonym, especially in cryptic crosswords where wordplay is key. Always think about different shades of meaning: did it linger physically, or did a memory linger?