long for crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your definitive source for solving those tricky crossword clues! On this page, you'll find all possible answers and detailed explanations for the clue "long for crossword clue," helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "long for crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WISH: To desire or hope for something to happen, often less intensely than yearning.
PINE: To suffer a mental and physical decline, especially a result of sorrow; to yearn for something with deep sadness.
ACHE: To feel a continuous dull pain; also used to describe a deep emotional longing or yearning.
LUST: An intense sexual desire or a strong craving for something, often used in a broader sense for intense desire.
5 Letters
YEARN: To have an intense feeling of longing for something, often with a sense of tenderness or sadness.
CRAVE: To feel a powerful desire for something, often food or drink, but also used for a strong general desire.
COVET: To yearn to possess or have (something belonging to another).
6 Letters
HANKER: To have a strong desire or craving for something or to do something.
DESIRE: A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.
More About "long for crossword clue"
The clue "long for" in crosswords typically points to a word expressing a deep yearning, desire, or craving. It's not just about wanting something casually, but rather having an emotional or persistent pull towards it. This nuance is crucial for distinguishing between common synonyms like "want" or "need" and the more profound "long for." Answers often include words like YEARN, PINE, CRAVE, or HANKER, each carrying a slightly different shade of longing.
Understanding the emotional depth of this clue can often unlock more challenging puzzles. For instance, "pine" implies a longing that might be tinged with sadness or a sense of absence, while "crave" suggests a powerful, almost uncontrollable desire. Crossword setters love to play with these subtle differences in meaning, so consider the context of the puzzle – is it a straightforward daily crossword or a more complex cryptic one?
When you encounter "long for," consider not just direct synonyms, but also how the word might be used idiomatically or poetically. Sometimes, clues can be deceptively simple, leading you to overlook a more specific or common crossword answer. Always double-check with intersecting letters to confirm your choice and ensure it fits the overall puzzle theme and letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms with emotional weight: For clues like "long for," think beyond basic synonyms. Words that convey emotion (e.g., yearning, pining, aching) are often the intended answers.
- Check letter counts carefully: If you have multiple possible answers (e.g., WISH, YEARN, CRAVE), the number of letters provided in the grid is your best guide. Always count meticulously.
- Look at surrounding clues: Sometimes, an adjacent or intersecting word can give you a vital letter or hint, narrowing down your options for a clue like "long for."
- Think of verbs vs. nouns: Ensure the answer you're considering matches the part of speech indicated by the clue. "Long for" is a verb phrase, so the answer should generally be a verb.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'long for' and 'want' in crossword clues?
While both imply desire, 'long for' suggests a deeper, often more emotional or persistent yearning, sometimes for something distant or unattainable. 'Want' can be a simpler, more immediate need or preference. Crosswords often use 'long for' when they seek answers like YEARN, PINE, or CRAVE, emphasizing a stronger emotional connection.
How do I identify emotional longing clues in crosswords?
Look for words that convey deep feeling or wistfulness, such as 'pined for,' 'yearned for,' 'ached for,' or 'craved.' These often lead to answers that describe an intense emotional state rather than just a simple wish. Pay attention to context if other clue words suggest sorrow, nostalgia, or desperation.
Are there common misinterpretations for 'long for' in crosswords?
One common misinterpretation is confusing 'long for' (to desire) with 'long' as in duration or length. Always consider the verb form of 'long' in the clue. Another pitfall is to assume a simple 'want' answer when a more emotionally charged synonym is required. Always check the number of letters and any intersecting words to confirm your choice.