shortened crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all possible solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "shortened crossword clue," organized by letter count to help you quickly complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "shortened crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ABBR: Short for abbreviation, commonly used in crosswords to indicate a shortened form of a word or phrase.
5 Letters
TERSE: Meaning brief and to the point, often describing a concise clue or answer.
More About "shortened crossword clue"
The phrase "shortened crossword clue" can refer to a variety of wordplay techniques used in crossword puzzles. Often, it signals that the answer itself is an abbreviation, a concise word that fits the description, or a word that has been truncated from its full form. Clues might use indicators like "briefly," "for short," "contracted," or simply imply brevity through context.
Understanding these hints is crucial for solving many crossword puzzles, as abbreviations and shortened forms are staples in setters' arsenals. The ability to spot these subtle cues can significantly speed up your solving time and help you complete more challenging grids.
Whether it's a common abbreviation for a state, a professional title, or a less obvious clipped word, thinking about words in their compact forms is key to tackling clues that suggest something has been "shortened."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Abbreviation Indicators: Be on the lookout for periods (e.g., "Doc." for DR.), pluralizations ("Depts." for DEPT.), or phrases like "briefly," "for short," "in sum," which all point to an abbreviated answer.
- Consider Acronyms and Initialisms: "Shortened" can also refer to acronyms (words formed from initial letters, like NASA) or initialisms (like FBI). Think about well-known organizations or terms.
- Think Synonyms for "Short": If the clue implies a shortened word, consider synonyms for "short" or "concise" like TERSE, BRIEF, or SNIP, which might be the answer itself.
- Context is King: Always consider the surrounding letters in the grid if you have some filled in. These can often reveal whether an abbreviation or a concise word is required.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'shortened' mean in a crossword clue?
When a crossword clue uses 'shortened' or implies brevity, it often signals that the answer is an abbreviation, a concise word, or a clipped form of a longer word. Examples include 'abbr.' for abbreviation, 'dept.' for department, or 'info' for information.
How can I identify an abbreviation in a crossword puzzle?
Crossword puzzles often use specific indicators for abbreviations. These might include a period after the clue (e.g., 'Doctor.' for DR.), a pluralization ('Docs' for DRS.), or a word in the clue suggesting brevity like 'briefly,' 'in short,' 'initially,' 'for short,' or 'contracted.' They can also be signalled by being part of a larger theme or wordplay.
Are there different types of shortened answers in crosswords?
Yes, beyond standard abbreviations, shortened answers can include acronyms (e.g., NASA), initialisms (e.g., FBI), contractions (e.g., DON'T), or simply concise words that fit the 'shortened' theme. Sometimes a clue might hint at a 'clipped' word where the beginning or end is removed (e.g., 'Fanatic, briefly' for FAN).