mean crossword clue 6 letters – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "mean crossword clue 6 letters"? You've landed on the right page! We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions and explanations to help you conquer your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "mean crossword clue 6 letters" by Letter Count
6 Letters
DENOTE: To signify, indicate, or be a sign of; to mean. For example, "What does this symbol denote?"
MEDIUM: Referring to an intermediate state, quantity, or degree; an average. This relates to 'mean' in a statistical or central sense.
STINGY: Unwilling to give or spend money; miserly. This fits the common understanding of 'mean' as ungenerous or petty.
SORDID: Involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt. This aligns with 'mean' as morally debased or contemptible.
GRUMPY: Bad-tempered and irritable. When someone is described as 'mean', they are often perceived as grumpy or ill-natured.
More About "mean crossword clue 6 letters"
The word "mean" is a quintessential crossword clue because of its rich polysemy – it has multiple meanings. This versatility allows setters to use it in many contexts, ranging from describing a person's character (unkind, miserly) to a statistical concept (average) or even an intention (to signify, to intend). When you encounter "mean" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider the number of letters required and the surrounding clues to determine the exact interpretation.
For a 6-letter answer specifically, the options narrow down significantly, helping you focus. Common interpretations often revolve around its sense of 'to signify' (DENOTE), 'average' (MEDIUM), or 'ungenerous' (STINGY). Less common but equally valid interpretations might point to a character trait like 'grumpy' or a moral quality like 'sordid'.
Understanding these different facets of "mean" can unlock not just this specific clue, but also improve your general approach to similar multi-faceted clues in future puzzles. Always think beyond the most obvious definition!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all definitions: For words like "mean" with multiple meanings, list out all possible interpretations you can think of before looking at the letter count.
- Utilize intersecting letters: Always use the letters from intersecting words. They are your strongest allies in narrowing down possible answers, especially for ambiguous clues.
- Think synonyms for each meaning: Once you have a meaning, brainstorm synonyms for that specific meaning. Then, check which of those synonyms fit the required letter count.
- Look for context clues: Sometimes, the puzzle's theme or other clues in the same section might provide subtle hints about the intended meaning of a tricky word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many meanings does the word 'mean' have in crosswords?
The word 'mean' is highly versatile in crosswords, often referring to 'unkind', 'average', 'intend', 'miserly', or even 'low quality'. Its multiple definitions make it a common but sometimes tricky clue.
What is a common strategy for solving clues with multiple meanings, like 'mean'?
When a clue like 'mean' has multiple meanings, check the intersecting letters first. These letters will often narrow down the possibilities significantly, helping you determine which definition of 'mean' the puzzle setter intended.
Why is it important to consider letter count for clues like 'mean'?
The letter count is crucial because it immediately filters out many potential answers. For 'mean crossword clue 6 letters', you can disregard any synonyms of 'mean' that are not exactly six letters long, saving time and narrowing your focus considerably.