prima donna crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "prima donna crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers and helpful explanations for all possible letter counts to quickly get you unstuck.
Solutions for "prima donna crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DIVA: A prominent female opera singer, often with a demanding personality, perfectly fits the 'prima donna' description.
7 Letters
SOPRANO: The highest female singing voice, and historically, the 'prima donna' was the lead soprano in an opera.
EGOTIST: Someone who is excessively conceited or self-absorbed, reflecting the demanding and self-important stereotype associated with a 'prima donna'.
More About "prima donna crossword clue"
The term "prima donna" originates from Italian, literally meaning "first lady." Historically, it referred to the principal female singer in an opera company, typically the lead soprano who received the most prominent roles and often the highest pay. Over time, the term evolved to describe any highly talented, successful, yet often temperamental or demanding person, especially in the arts.
In crosswords, clues for "prima donna" can therefore lead to answers related to both its literal operatic meaning (like DIVA or SOPRANO) and its figurative sense of a difficult, self-important personality (like EGOTIST or STAR).
Understanding this dual meaning is key to solving puzzles that feature this clue. Always consider the surrounding words in the clue and the number of letters provided, as these will often guide you to the correct interpretation and solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For "prima donna," consider if the clue points to a literal singer or a metaphorical personality. Is there context about opera or behavior?
- Check Letter Count First: Before diving deep into synonyms, see what letter counts are available. For "prima donna," a 4-letter answer almost always points to DIVA, while longer answers might suggest SOPRANO or EGOTIST.
- Look for Cross-References: Pay attention to intersecting words. If a vertical clue helps confirm letters in the horizontal "prima donna" answer, it can quickly reveal the correct solution.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes clues for common terms like "prima donna" might have a less obvious synonym to trick solvers. Always have a few alternative ideas ready.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'prima donna' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'prima donna' most commonly refers to a leading female singer (especially in opera), such as a DIVA or SOPRANO. However, it can also describe someone who is temperamental, demanding, or self-important, leading to answers like EGOTIST or TEMPERAMENTAL.
Are there common alternative spellings for 'prima donna'?
No, 'prima donna' is an Italian phrase widely adopted in English and does not typically have alternative spellings in crosswords. Clues might instead use synonyms or descriptions of the 'prima donna' characteristics to lead to the answer.
How can I differentiate between a singer and personality answer for 'prima donna'?
Pay close attention to the rest of the clue and the letter count. If the clue mentions 'opera,' 'stage,' 'aria,' or 'vocal,' it's likely a singer (e.g., DIVA, SOPRANO). If it refers to 'temperament,' 'demanding,' 'star quality,' or 'self-centered,' it points to the personality type (e.g., EGOTIST, TEMPERAMENTAL). The number of letters will help narrow down the possibilities significantly.