rue crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to "rue crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, clear explanations, and helpful tips to assist you in completing your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "rue crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HERB: A plant with a bitter taste, often associated with regret.
5 Letters
MOURN: To feel or express deep sorrow or grief.
6 Letters
REGRET: To feel sorrow, repentance, or disappointment over something.
LAMENT: To express sorrow, mourning, or regret often demonstratively.
SORROW: A feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others.
7 Letters
DEPLORE: To feel or express strong disapproval of (something).
More About "rue crossword clue"
The word "rue" is a classic crossword staple because of its dual nature. It can refer to the act of regretting something, as in "to rue the day," where it functions as a verb meaning to feel sorrow or remorse. This is often the more common interpretation in daily language and, consequently, in crossword clues.
However, "rue" also names a specific type of evergreen shrub (Ruta graveolens) known for its strong, bitter aroma and historical use in medicine and as a symbolic plant representing sorrow. Crossword setters frequently leverage this second meaning, especially when they want to create a more challenging clue that requires solvers to think beyond the primary definition.
Understanding both aspects of "rue" is key to successfully navigating clues that use this word. Whether the answer is a synonym for regret or the name of a plant, the context of the clue, along with the required letter count, will guide you to the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: Always remember that many words in crosswords, like "rue," have multiple distinct meanings (e.g., verb, noun, plant). If one meaning doesn't fit, try the other.
- Count the Letters: The number of letters is your most powerful tool. It immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows down the potential answers for words like "rue" to just a few options.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Pay close attention to other words in the clue. Terms like "plant," "shrub," or "garden" would point towards the botanical meaning of "rue," while "regret," "lament," or "grief" would indicate the emotion.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main meanings of "rue" in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'rue' most commonly refers to either the act of regretting something (a verb) or a specific type of aromatic, bitter-tasting herb (a noun). Crossword setters often use these dual meanings to create tricky clues.
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of "rue" when solving a crossword?
Look for contextual clues. If the clue mentions a 'plant,' 'herb,' or 'garden,' the answer is likely HERB. If it refers to 'regret,' 'sorrow,' 'lament,' or a feeling, then answers like REGRET, MOURN, or DEPLORE are more appropriate. The number of letters also helps narrow it down significantly.
Are there common synonyms for "rue" (the verb) often used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'rue' as a verb include REGRET, LAMENT, MOURN, SORROW, and DEPLORE. These words often appear as answers when 'rue' is clued as a feeling of remorse or sadness.