number crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving the "number crossword puzzle clue"! This page provides a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "number crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SUM: A total or amount resulting from an addition.
4 Letters
STAT: A short form for 'statistic', often representing a numerical fact or data point.
5 Letters
TOTAL: The complete amount or sum, the whole quantity.
6 Letters
FIGURE: A numerical symbol, or an amount expressed in numbers.
7 Letters
NUMERAL: A symbol or name that represents a number, such as '1', '2', or 'III'.
8 Letters
CARDINAL: Relating to a cardinal number, which indicates quantity (e.g., one, two, three).
More About "number crossword puzzle clue"
The clue "number" is a classic example of a crossword setter's favorite type of word: one with multiple meanings. This versatility allows it to fit various contexts within a puzzle, from mathematical calculations to editions of a periodical. Understanding these different interpretations is key to successfully tackling such clues.
A "number" can be a specific digit, a count, an overall total, or even a particular issue in a sequence, like a magazine's 'latest number'. Its broad semantic range means that setters can use it to hint at anything from a basic arithmetic operation to an item in a series. Always check the number of letters required and any intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities.
At Crosswordanswer.co.uk, we strive to provide not just the answers, but also the insights into why certain words fit. This approach helps you improve your own puzzling skills, making you a more proficient crossword solver in the long run. Good luck with your current puzzle!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the overall theme of the crossword, if any, and the nature of surrounding clues. This can often provide strong hints for polysemous words like "number."
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These letters are your most reliable guide to confirming the correct "number" answer.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: For common words, setters often choose less common or more nuanced definitions. If the first meaning that comes to mind doesn't fit, consider synonyms or alternative senses of the word.
- Letter Count Matters: Pay close attention to the specified letter count for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows down your choices significantly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the clue 'number' have so many different answers?
The word 'number' is highly polysemous, meaning it has many different meanings. It can refer to a quantity (e.g., 'sum', 'total', 'amount'), a numeral (e.g., 'digit', 'figure'), a specific issue of a publication (e.g., 'issue', 'copy'), or even a performance (e.g., 'act', 'routine'). Crossword setters leverage these various meanings, often providing subtle hints in the clue's phrasing or relying on intersecting letters.
How can I determine the correct 'number' answer in my crossword?
To find the right answer, first consider the letter count. Then, critically examine the surrounding clues and any letters you've already filled in that intersect with the 'number' clue. The context of the puzzle's theme or other clues can also provide valuable hints. For example, if the puzzle is about mathematics, 'sum' or 'total' might be more likely than 'issue'.
Are 'number' and 'digit' interchangeable in crosswords?
While related, 'number' and 'digit' are not always interchangeable in crosswords. A 'digit' specifically refers to a single symbol (0-9) used to form a number. A 'number' can be any quantity, whether represented by a single digit or multiple digits. The setter's specific wording will usually indicate which is more appropriate, for instance, 'single figure' for digit versus 'total' for number.