longing crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "longing," helping you complete your puzzle with ease and confidence. We provide solutions across various letter counts, ensuring you find exactly what you need.
Solutions for "longing crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
YEN: A strong desire or craving, often for something specific and immediate.
4 Letters
WISH: A feeling of wanting to have something or hoping that something will happen; a general desire.
5 Letters
YEARN: To have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from.
6 Letters
DESIRE: A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.
HANKER: To feel a strong desire for or to do something, often used informally.
PINING: Suffering a mental and physical decline, especially as a result of sorrow or intense longing.
ACHING: While literally a dull pain, it's often used metaphorically for a deep, emotional longing or sadness.
9 Letters
NOSTALGIA: A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past or for familiar circumstances.
More About "longing crossword puzzle clue"
"Longing" is a versatile word in the English language, capable of conveying a wide range of desires from the fleeting to the profound. In the context of crossword puzzles, it's a popular clue because it has many synonyms that vary in nuance and length, making it a good test of a solver's vocabulary. The key to cracking a "longing" clue lies not just in knowing synonyms, but also in understanding the subtle differences between them.
For instance, while "yearn" and "crave" both express strong desires, "yearn" often implies a more emotional or even sorrowful desire for something distant or lost, whereas "crave" typically refers to an intense physical or immediate desire, like for food. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting the exact word the puzzle setter intends, especially when the clue provides additional context.
Our solutions aim to provide not just the answer but also a brief explanation to help you grasp why a particular word fits, aiding your understanding for future puzzles. Keep these variations in mind, and "longing" will soon become a straightforward clue for you to tackle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
To improve your crossword-solving skills, especially with clues like "longing," consider these practical tips:
- Brainstorm Synonyms: Whenever you encounter a clue, immediately think of as many synonyms as possible. For "longing," this might include yearning, desire, craving, wish, hankering, or pining. Write them down if it helps.
- Check Letter Counts: This is arguably the most critical step. Once you have a list of potential answers, match them against the required number of letters. This quickly eliminates many possibilities and narrows your focus.
- Analyze Nuance and Context: Pay close attention to any additional words in the clue. "Longing for the good old days" strongly points to "NOSTALGIA." "A sudden longing for chocolate" might suggest "YEN" or "CRAVE." The context is king.
- Look at Crossing Letters: Even if you're stuck, a few letters from crossing words can often reveal the full answer for "longing." Fill in what you know, and then revisit the tricky clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to approach a "longing" clue in a crossword?
Start by considering common synonyms for longing such as desire, yearning, craving, or a strong wish. Also, think about the number of letters required. Sometimes the clue might hint at a specific type of longing, like nostalgia, or a specific context that narrows down the options.
Are there short answers for "longing" clues?
Yes, short answers like "YEN" (3 letters) or "WISH" (4 letters) are quite common. These are excellent starting points if you have only a few letters given or need a quick fill to complete a word.
How does context help with "longing" clues?
The surrounding words in the clue or nearby solved letters can significantly narrow down the options. For example, "longing for the past" strongly suggests "NOSTALGIA", while "a strong desire" might point to "YEN" or "CRAVING". Always look at the full clue and any crossing letters.