minute crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "minute crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions and detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "minute crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TINY: Referring to something very small in size, aligning with one common meaning of 'minute'.
6 Letters
RECORD: This relates to 'minute' as in the official notes or a summary of proceedings, like meeting minutes.
MOMENT: A brief period of time, often used informally to mean a very short duration, similar to a 'minute'.
SLIGHT: Denotes something small in degree or importance, another interpretation of 'minute'.
More About "minute crossword"
The word "minute" is a classic example of a homograph, a word spelled the same but with different meanings and often different pronunciations. In crosswords, this duality makes it a favorite among clue setters. It can refer to something extremely small (pronounced 'my-nute') or a unit of time/official record of a meeting (pronounced 'min-it'). Understanding which meaning the clue intends is key to solving it.
Crossword compilers skillfully craft clues that hint at one of these meanings. For instance, if the clue involves words like "tiny," "small scale," or "trifling," it's likely pointing to the adjective form. If it mentions "meeting notes," "time period," or "sixty seconds," then the noun form is in play. Always consider the context of the clue and the number of letters required for the answer.
This ambiguity often leads to satisfying 'aha!' moments when the solver realizes the hidden meaning. It highlights the cleverness of crossword design, where a single word can open up multiple paths, challenging the solver's linguistic flexibility.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuances: For words like "minute," carefully consider if the clue is hinting at size, time, or official records. Look for synonyms or contextual phrases that lean towards one interpretation.
- Check Letter Count: The length of the answer is a critical hint. It immediately eliminates many possibilities, especially when dealing with words that have multiple meanings and potentially different lengths for each meaning.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is the clue looking for a noun, adjective, or verb? "Minute" can be an adjective (tiny) or a noun (a unit of time, meeting notes). Identifying the required part of speech helps narrow down the choices significantly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does 'minute' have multiple meanings in crosswords?
'Minute' is a classic crossword setter's trick due to its two distinct pronunciations and meanings: 'my-nute' (very small) and 'min-it' (a unit of time or official record). This versatility allows for a wide range of clues, testing a solver's vocabulary and understanding of homographs.
What type of clue usually points to the 'detailed notes' meaning of minute?
Clues for 'minute' meaning detailed notes often involve phrases like 'meeting notes', 'official record', 'session summary', or 'things taken down'. These phrases guide the solver towards the noun form of 'minute' (pronounced 'min-it').
How can I distinguish between 'minute' (small) and 'minute' (time/record) in a clue?
Pay close attention to the surrounding words in the clue. If it hints at size, insignificance, or detail, it's likely 'my-nute'. If it references time periods, meetings, or written accounts, it's probably 'min-it'. The required letter count can also narrow down possibilities.