petty crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "petty" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, meticulously organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "petty crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MEAN: This answer often describes something small-minded, unkind, or of little consequence, directly aligning with one sense of 'petty'.
5 Letters
MINOR: Used to describe something of lesser importance, significance, or scale, making it a good fit for 'petty' matters or details.
6 Letters
SLIGHT: Implies something small in degree, quantity, or importance; often used for an insignificant or trivial amount, much like 'petty'.
7 Letters
TRIVIAL: A direct synonym for 'petty', indicating something of little value, importance, or consequence.
8 Letters
PICAYUNE: A more formal or less common word meaning of little value or importance, often specifically referring to money or a small amount.
More About "petty crossword clue"
"Petty" is a versatile word that can throw off even seasoned crossword solvers due to its dual meanings. It can refer to something of little importance or significance (e.g., "a petty dispute"), or it can describe someone who is excessively concerned with minor details or easily offended (e.g., "a petty tyrant"). Crossword setters love words like this because they offer multiple avenues for clues, requiring you to consider the context of the puzzle itself.
When you encounter "petty" in a clue, your first step should be to consider the length of the answer required. This immediately narrows down the possibilities. Then, look for any surrounding letters you might already have filled in from intersecting words. These letters are crucial clues that will guide you towards the correct synonym, whether the setter is hinting at triviality or small-mindedness.
Understanding the nuances of "petty" can significantly improve your crossword solving skills. It's a prime example of how vocabulary depth, coupled with strategic thinking about word length and context, leads to successful puzzle completion. Don't let a seemingly simple word like "petty" trip you up again!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: Always think about the multiple definitions a word might have. "Petty" is a great example of a word with several distinct uses.
- Use intersecting letters: The letters you've already filled in are your best friends. They eliminate incorrect answers instantly.
- Think about word length: The number of letters is the most critical piece of information. It dramatically reduces the pool of possible answers.
- Patience is key: If you're stuck, take a break and come back. Sometimes stepping away helps you see the clue with fresh eyes.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crossword clues sometimes have multiple answers of different lengths?
Crossword clues can have multiple valid answers because words often have several synonyms or different shades of meaning depending on the context. The length constraint helps narrow it down, but common words like 'petty' can have many fitting alternatives.
How can I figure out if 'petty' refers to something small or something mean-spirited?
The surrounding letters in the crossword grid are your best guide. If you have 'M_A_N' it's likely 'MEAN'. If you have 'T_I_I_L' it points to 'TRIVIAL'. Also, consider the publication – some puzzles lean towards more common or less common synonyms.
What other clues might lead to answers like MEAN or TRIVIAL?
MEAN can be clued as 'Unkind', 'Stingy', 'Average', or 'Vicious'. TRIVIAL might be 'Insignificant', 'Minor', 'Frivolous', or 'Of little import'. Context is key!