platitude crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "platitude" crossword puzzle clue, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "platitude crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ADAGE: A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.
MAXIM: A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
6 Letters
TRUISM: A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting.
6 Letters
CLICHE: A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.
8 Letters
BANALITY: The fact or condition of being unoriginal, commonplace, or uninteresting; triteness.
More About "platitude crossword puzzle clue"
The term "platitude" refers to a statement that has been used so often that it has lost its originality or impact. It's often delivered as if it were profound or novel, but in reality, it's a worn-out, uninspired, or trivial remark. Crossword setters love clues like "platitude" because it has many synonyms that fit various word lengths, making it a versatile and common challenge.
Understanding the nuances between a platitude and similar concepts like an aphorism, proverb, or adage is key to solving these types of clues. While all might be short, generally accepted truths, a platitude specifically carries the connotation of being trite and lacking genuine thought or feeling, often used to sound wise without actually saying anything meaningful. This distinction is crucial for narrowing down your options when faced with such a clue in your daily puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonyms: When a clue refers to a concept like "platitude," immediately brainstorm as many synonyms as possible. Words like "cliché," "truism," "banality," "adage," and "maxim" are excellent starting points.
- Check Letter Count First: Once you have a list of potential answers, match them against the required letter count. This is often the quickest way to eliminate incorrect options and confirm the solution.
- Consider Context: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can offer hints about the specific type of "platitude" being sought (e.g., if it's a humorous puzzle, a more ironic synonym might be used).
- Use Cross-References: Don't be afraid to leave a clue and come back to it. Solving intersecting words can often provide enough letters to confirm or reveal a difficult answer like "platitude."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a platitude and a proverb?
While both are general statements, a proverb often carries traditional wisdom or advice, whereas a platitude is usually a trite, overused, and unoriginal remark that often lacks depth or sincerity, intended to sound profound.
Why are platitudes common in crosswords?
Words like "platitude" and its synonyms (cliche, truism, adage) are common in crosswords because they are well-defined concepts with a range of precise synonyms, making them ideal for challenging solvers to recall specific vocabulary across various lengths.
How can understanding synonyms help with "platitude" clues?
Crossword setters often use synonyms to test vocabulary. For a clue like "platitude," thinking of words that mean similar things (e.g., truism, cliché, banality, maxim, adage) across different letter counts is key to finding the correct answer.