rank crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "rank crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "rank crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOUL: Describing something disgustingly smelly or dirty, thus 'rank'.
TIER: A level or grade in a hierarchy, a common meaning of 'rank'.
HIGH: Referring to a high position or importance, as in 'high rank'.
5 Letters
LEVEL: A horizontal plane or position on a scale; a grade or rank.
ORDER: To arrange things in a particular sequence or hierarchy, or a position within it.
STINK: To emit a strong, offensive smell, synonymous with being rank.
GRADE: A particular level of quality, ability, or status; a rank.
6 Letters
RANCID: Describing food (especially fats or oils) that are spoiled and have a strong, unpleasant smell or taste, making them 'rank'.
STATUS: The relative social, professional, or other standing of someone or something; a rank.
7 Letters
AMATEUR: Often used with 'rank' to describe someone extremely unskilled or inexperienced.
FORMING: To arrange in a line or group, which can imply creating a rank.
8 Letters
STANDING: One's social position or reputation; a form of rank.
POSITION: A place where someone or something is located or has been put; also, a person's status or rank.
CATEGORY: A class or division of people or things regarded as having particular shared characteristics; a rank or classification.
More About "rank crossword clue"
"Rank" is a fascinating and frequently appearing word in crosswords, often posing a delightful challenge due to its multiple meanings. Beyond its literal interpretation as a numerical position in a list or a social hierarchy, "rank" can also refer to a strong, unpleasant smell, a degree of something (e.g., 'rank amateur'), or even the act of arranging items in an order. Crossword setters love to exploit this versatility, making it crucial for solvers to consider the length of the answer and surrounding letters to pinpoint the correct interpretation.
Understanding the nuances of "rank" can significantly improve your crossword solving skills. For instance, if the clue hints at smell, answers like FOUL or RANCID are likely candidates. If it refers to social standing, words like STATUS or STANDING might fit. The beauty of these multi-faceted clues lies in their ability to make you think laterally and consider all possibilities before committing to an answer. Always keep an open mind to the various definitions.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to provide not just the answers, but also the context and explanations that deepen your understanding and enjoyment of crosswords. We hope this detailed breakdown of "rank" helps you complete your current puzzle and prepares you for future challenges.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: As with "rank," many words have multiple dictionary definitions. Don't just stick to the first meaning that comes to mind.
- Look at the letter count: The number of letters is your most valuable hint. If you think of "status" (6 letters) but need a 4-letter word, you know to look for an alternative meaning, like "foul."
- Check crossing letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These are crucial for narrowing down possibilities for ambiguous clues like "rank."
- Identify parts of speech: Does the clue imply a noun (a rank), a verb (to rank), or an adjective (rank smell)? This can guide your answer choice.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the correct 'rank' answer in a crossword?
The key is to consider the number of letters required and the context of other clues. 'Rank' is a versatile word, meaning everything from a position in a hierarchy (e.g., 'level', 'status') to a foul smell (e.g., 'foul', 'rancid'). Pay attention to surrounding solved letters and the puzzle's theme.
What are common meanings of 'rank' in crosswords?
The most common meanings of 'rank' in crosswords typically fall into two categories: 1) a position, level, or grade (e.g., 'tier', 'order', 'status', 'grade'), and 2) having a strong, unpleasant smell (e.g., 'foul', 'rancid', 'stink'). Sometimes it can also imply an extreme degree, as in 'rank amateur'.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers of different lengths?
Many words in English are polysemous, meaning they have multiple distinct meanings or can be used in various contexts. 'Rank' is a prime example. Crossword setters leverage this to create challenging clues, and depending on the specific nuance intended or the letter count needed, different words will fit. Our site provides all possible answers to help you find the correct fit for your puzzle.