matter crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all possible solutions for the 'matter crossword clue', complete with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "matter crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
THING: A general object or entity.
TOPIC: The subject of a discussion or a piece of writing.
ISSUE: A significant problem or subject for discussion.
6 Letters
AFFAIR: A concern or business; a situation or series of events.
7 Letters
CONCERN: Something that is of interest or importance to someone; a worry.
9 Letters
SUBSTANCE: The material from which something is made; physical material.
10 Letters
IMPORTANCE: The state or fact of being of great significance or value.
More About "matter crossword clue"
The word "matter" is a highly versatile term, which is precisely why it frequently appears in crosswords. Its meanings can range from a physical substance (as in 'state of matter') to a subject of discussion ('subject matter'), or even a situation or problem ('what's the matter?'). This broad semantic range allows crossword setters to use it in various contexts, often requiring solvers to consider the precise nuance implied by other words in the clue.
When encountering "matter" in a clue, it's crucial to think about the different facets of its meaning. Is the clue leaning towards a scientific context, suggesting answers like SUBSTANCE? Or is it referring to a topic of conversation, indicating TOPIC or ISSUE? Perhaps it's about significance, pointing towards IMPORTANCE or CONCERN. The number of letters in the answer you need is always your first guide, narrowing down the possibilities significantly.
Understanding these different interpretations is key to successfully cracking clues involving "matter." Always cross-reference with letters from intersecting words to confirm your choice, ensuring it fits both grammatically and contextually within the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For words like 'matter' with multiple definitions, list out all possible meanings first. Then, see which one fits the context of the entire clue and the available letter count.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Always use letters from already-solved intersecting clues to narrow down options. This is especially helpful when multiple words have the same letter count for a given clue.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword clues often use synonyms or antonyms. Think about words closely related to "matter" in different contexts (e.g., 'substance', 'issue', 'topic', 'importance').
- Pay Attention to Clue Type: Is it a cryptic clue, a standard definition, or a phrase? The type of clue often hints at the expected type of answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What common meanings of 'matter' are used in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'matter' commonly refers to a subject or topic (e.g., 'subject matter'), a physical substance, or something of importance or concern (e.g., 'it doesn't matter'). Its versatility often leads to multiple possible answers depending on the clue's nuance.
How do I determine the correct 'matter' answer given multiple options?
To pinpoint the correct answer, consider the letter count first. Then, look for other words in the clue that provide context or synonyms. For example, if the clue is 'Concerning a weighty matter', 'AFFAIR' or 'CONCERN' might fit better than 'THING' or 'TOPIC'. If it's 'Physical matter', 'SUBSTANCE' is likely the answer. Also, check intersecting letters from other solved clues.
Are there any common crossword tricks related to the word 'matter'?
Yes, 'matter' can be tricky due to its varied meanings. Watch out for clues that use 'matter' metaphorically or idiomatically, like 'What's the matter?' (ISSUE/PROBLEM). Sometimes, it might refer to a specific type of matter like 'dark matter' which could lead to answers like 'COSMOS' or 'SPACE' in very abstract clues, though less common.