race crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "race" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by length, along with explanations to help you understand the nuances of this common but tricky clue.
Solutions for "race crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
RUN: To move swiftly on foot in a competition.
4 Letters
MEET: An organized sporting event involving competition.
5 Letters
CHASE: To pursue rapidly, often a competition for speed.
6 Letters
SPRINT: A short, fast footrace.
7 Letters
CONTEST: A competition in which people vie for supremacy.
9 Letters
ETHNICITY: A group of people defined by a shared cultural identity (homonym).
More About "race crossword clue"
The word "race" is a classic crossword clue because of its dual meanings. On one hand, it refers to a competition of speed, such as a running race, a car race, or a swimming race. Clues pointing to this meaning might include words like "dash," "event," "compete," "track," or "contest." The answers provided above, like RUN, SPRINT, and CONTEST, primarily relate to this interpretation.
However, "race" also refers to a classification of people based on shared physical or cultural characteristics, often related to ancestry or origin. This meaning can be particularly challenging in crosswords as it requires a different line of thinking. When the clue hints at this interpretation, words like ETHNICITY, TRIBE, or even PEOPLE might be the solution. Pay close attention to the full clue and any surrounding words for context.
Understanding these distinct definitions is crucial for selecting the correct answer. Crossword setters often use such polysemous words to add an extra layer of difficulty, rewarding solvers who consider all possible meanings of a word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: As with "race," many words have multiple meanings. Always think broadly about a word's definitions before settling on an answer.
- Check intersecting letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to narrow down possibilities. If an answer doesn't fit, it's likely the wrong meaning of the clue.
- Look for context clues: The wording around the main clue often provides subtle hints. Adjectives, verbs, or prepositions can guide you towards the correct interpretation of a word like "race."
- Think synonyms and antonyms: Sometimes the answer isn't a direct definition but a synonym or even an antonym (if the clue implies it).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'race' mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'race' can refer to a competition (like a footrace or car race) or a group of people sharing common ancestry or culture. The context of other clues in the puzzle will often help determine which meaning is intended.
Are there common word lengths for 'race' answers?
Answers for 'race' can vary greatly in length, from short words like RUN (3 letters) to longer ones like ETHNICITY (9 letters) or COMPETITION (11 letters), depending on the specific nuance of the clue.
How do I distinguish between the two meanings of 'race'?
Look for accompanying words in the clue. If it mentions "speed," "track," "win," or "contest," it likely refers to a competition. If it mentions "people," "group," "culture," or "origin," it points to the human demographic meaning.