prolonging crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your go-to resource for solving challenging crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and detailed explanations for the clue "prolonging crossword clue", designed to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "prolonging crossword clue" by Letter Count
9 Letters
EXTENDING: Making something longer in space or time, such as extending a deadline or extending a bridge.
10 Letters
ELONGATING: To make something long or longer, often in a physical sense, like elongating a piece of metal.
11 Letters
PROTRACTING: Drawing out or lengthening, especially in time, often with a negative connotation of being too long or tedious, e.g., protracting negotiations.
DRAGGINGOUT: Causing something to last longer than necessary, often implying a tedious or unwelcome delay, like dragging out a story.
More About "prolonging crossword clue"
The clue "prolonging" often appears in crosswords seeking synonyms for making something last longer or stretching it out. This can refer to time, as in 'prolonging a visit,' or to a physical extension, like 'prolonging a piece of rope.' The key to solving such clues lies in discerning the specific context implied by the rest of the clue or the crossing letters you've already filled in.
Common answers for "prolonging" clues frequently involve verbs that denote an increase in duration or length. While words like EXTENDING and ELONGATING are straightforward, others such as PROTRACTING or DRAGGINGOUT carry a stronger connotation of an undesirable or excessive lengthening. Pay attention to any subtle hints within the clue that might suggest a positive, neutral, or negative implication.
Understanding the various shades of meaning for 'prolonging' will significantly improve your ability to solve these types of clues. Consider if the action is deliberate, accidental, or simply descriptive, as this can narrow down the potential answers and lead you to the correct solution more quickly.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "prolonging," consider if there's a negative or positive connotation. Is it 'lengthening a life' (positive/neutral) or 'prolonging an illness' (negative)? This can help distinguish between similar synonyms.
- Check Letter Count: Always use the given letter count as your primary filter. If 'prolonging' has a 9-letter answer, you're looking for words like EXTENDING, not 11-letter options.
- Look for Prefixes/Suffixes: Many 'prolonging' words come from Latin or Greek roots and might have common prefixes (e.g., 'pro-') or suffixes ('-ing', '-ate'). This can help you guess parts of the word.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, the answer might be a two-word or hyphenated phrasal verb that means 'prolonging,' like DRAGGINGOUT. Be open to these less obvious structures.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "prolonging" typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "prolonging" usually refers to making something last longer, stretch out, or extend. The answer might be a synonym for 'lengthening,' 'extending,' 'drawing out,' or 'stretching.' Contextual words in the clue often hint at whether it's about time, space, or an undesirable delay.
Are there common word lengths for 'prolonging' answers?
Answers to "prolonging" clues can vary widely in length. Common lengths include 9 letters (like EXTENDING), 10 letters (like ELONGATING), and 11 letters (like PROTRACTING or DRAGGINGOUT). Shorter or longer answers are also possible depending on the specific synonym or phrase required by the clue.
How can I distinguish 'prolonging' from similar clues like 'stretching' or 'extending'?
While similar, the nuances lie in the context. 'Prolonging' often implies an action of making something continue, sometimes past its natural end or unnecessarily. 'Stretching' might suggest extending elasticity or physical reach. 'Extending' is more general, referring to making something longer in size, scope, or duration. Always look for other words in the clue that specify the nature of the 'prolonging' – e.g., 'prolonging a meeting' versus 'prolonging a wire'.