relieve crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues! If you're stuck on "relieve crossword", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "relieve crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EASE: To make something less severe or burdensome, often used for discomfort or tension.
6 Letters
SOOTHE: To gently calm a person or their feelings, or to relieve pain, implying comfort.
7 Letters
ASSUAGE: To make an unpleasant feeling less intense, or to satisfy a desire, often calming in effect.
9 Letters
ALLEVIATE: To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe; a direct synonym for relieve.
More About "relieve crossword"
The clue "relieve crossword" points to words that mean to lessen pain, anxiety, or distress, or to make a burden less heavy. These words are common in various contexts, from medical terminology to everyday conversation about stress management. Understanding the nuances of each potential answer can be crucial for selecting the correct fit for your specific crossword puzzle.
Crossword clues often rely on synonyms, antonyms, and wordplay. For "relieve," synonyms like EASE, SOOTHE, ASSUAGE, and ALLEVIATE are prime candidates. The precise answer often depends on the number of letters required and the context provided by intersecting words. Many of these terms are interchangeable in casual language but might have slightly different connotations that a crossword setter exploits.
Exploring the etymology of these words can also provide deeper insight. For instance, "alleviate" comes from the Latin "levis," meaning light, reinforcing the idea of making something lighter or less burdensome. This kind of linguistic background can sometimes offer an edge when a clue is particularly obscure or uses an unusual synonym.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of blank spaces for the answer. This is the first and most important filter for potential solutions.
- Consider Nuances: While many words can mean "relieve," think about the specific context. Is it about physical pain (soothe), emotional distress (assuage), or general burden (ease, alleviate)?
- Check Intersecting Words: The letters from solved intersecting clues are your best friends. Use them to narrow down possibilities and confirm your guesses.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, crossword setters use less common synonyms or even antonyms with a "not" or "un-" prefix. Be open to unconventional interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find answers for specific crossword clues?
To find answers for specific crossword clues, first consider the number of letters required. Then, think of synonyms or related concepts for the clue. Online crossword solvers and databases like Crosswordanswer.co.uk are excellent resources, allowing you to search by clue and even letter patterns to narrow down possibilities.
What's the difference between 'relieve', 'alleviate', and 'assuage'?
'Relieve' generally means to make something less severe or unpleasant. 'Alleviate' is very similar, often used for suffering or problems, implying a partial reduction rather than complete removal. 'Assuage' typically means to make an unpleasant feeling less intense, or to satisfy a desire, often implying a calming or soothing effect. While often interchangeable in common use, 'assuage' can carry a nuance of satisfying, and 'alleviate' specifically targets reduction of severity.
How can crosswords help with vocabulary?
Crosswords are fantastic for expanding vocabulary. They challenge you to think of synonyms, antonyms, and related words, often exposing you to nuances in meaning. Regularly solving puzzles exposes you to new terms and reinforces your understanding of existing ones, especially when you look up the meanings of words you're unsure about after solving.