portending evil crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the crossword clue "portending evil crossword", designed to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "portending evil crossword" by Letter Count
7 Letters
OMINOUS: Suggesting that something bad is going to happen.
BALEFUL: Threatening harm or evil; menacing.
DOOMFUL: Full of or foreboding doom.
8 Letters
SINISTER: Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen.
9 Letters
ILLBODING: Indicating or portending evil; ominous.
10 Letters
PORTENTOUS: Of momentous or ominous significance; warning of future bad events.
More About "portending evil crossword"
"Portending evil" is a classic crossword clue that taps into vocabulary related to foreboding, threats, and ominous signs. The answers often revolve around words that describe a sense of impending doom or danger. Crossword constructors frequently use such clues to test a solver's grasp of nuanced synonyms and their ability to connect abstract concepts with concrete vocabulary.
When you encounter a clue like this, consider the emotional tone it conveys. Is it about a general sense of dread, or something more actively threatening? Words like 'ominous' or 'sinister' directly convey this, while others like 'baleful' or 'ill-boding' add a layer of archaic or more formal language. The length of the answer is always your primary guide, narrowing down the possibilities significantly.
Understanding the Latin roots of some of these words can also be helpful. For instance, 'ominous' comes from 'omen', directly linking to the idea of a sign. Familiarity with such word origins can give you an edge in deciphering tricky clues that rely on etymological connections.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Contextual Clues: Always look at the surrounding clues. Sometimes, other answers can give you a letter or two, or even hint at a broader theme that makes "portending evil" fit a specific context.
- Synonym Brainstorming: For abstract clues like this, brainstorm as many synonyms as possible for the core concept ("evil," "foreboding," "threatening"). Then, check which ones fit the letter count.
- Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Be aware of common prefixes like 'mal-' or 'pre-' and suffixes like '-ful' or '-ous' that often appear in words describing negative or predictive qualities.
- Letter Check: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to filter your potential answers immediately. This is often the quickest way to confirm a solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'portending evil' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'portending evil' refers to words that describe something that suggests a future negative or harmful event. Common synonyms include ominous, sinister, baleful, or ill-boding. Recognizing these synonyms is key to finding the right answer.
Are there common letter counts for answers to 'portending evil'?
Yes, common letter counts for this clue often range from 7 to 10 letters. 'OMINOUS' and 'BALEFUL' are 7 letters, 'SINISTER' is 8, 'ILLBODING' is 9, and 'PORTENTOUS' is 10. Always check the available spaces in your grid.
How can I quickly find answers for clues like 'portending evil'?
To quickly solve such clues, think of synonyms for the core concept ('evil omen,' 'threatening,' 'foreboding'). Use online crossword solvers by entering the clue and known letters. Also, consider the overall theme of the puzzle, as some puzzles might lean towards specific vocabulary.