spirit crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "spirit crossword". We provide answers categorized by letter count, along with helpful insights to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "spirit crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
GIN: A colorless alcoholic drink distilled from grain or juniper berries.
RUM: An alcoholic liquor distilled from molasses or sugar cane.
VIM: Energy; enthusiasm.
4 Letters
SOUL: The nonphysical part of a person, often associated with emotions, character, or the afterlife.
ZEST: Great enthusiasm and energy.
ELAN: A distinctive flair or enthusiastic vigor.
5 Letters
GHOST: The disembodied spirit of a deceased person, believed to haunt places.
ANIMA: (Jungian psychology) The feminine part of a man's personality, or generally the inner self.
6 Letters
MORALE: The confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time.
7 Letters
ESSENCE: The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character.
More About "spirit crossword"
The word "spirit" is a fascinating and frequently used clue in crosswords due to its rich polysemy—it holds multiple distinct meanings. From the ethereal (like a 'ghost' or 'soul') to the more tangible (referring to alcoholic 'spirits' like 'gin' or 'rum'), its versatility offers setters many creative avenues for clueing. This makes 'spirit' both a challenging and rewarding clue to encounter.
Crossword constructors often leverage these different senses to test a solver's ability to interpret context. For instance, a clue hinting at a 'festive spirit' might lead to 'ZEST' or 'MORALE', while 'Halloween spirit' points to 'GHOST'. Understanding these nuances and considering the number of letters required are key to unlocking the correct answer when faced with such a broad term.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Context: Always look at the words surrounding "spirit" in the clue. Is it paired with an adjective like "high" or "low," suggesting "morale"? Or a place, indicating a "ghost"?
- Consider Letter Count First: If you have intersecting letters, the length of the word is your most powerful filter. Short answers (3-4 letters) for "spirit" often point to alcoholic beverages (GIN, RUM) or abstract qualities (VIM, ZEST).
- Think Broadly: Remember "spirit" can mean a non-physical entity, an emotion/attitude, or an alcoholic drink. Run through these categories in your mind as you consider potential answers.
- Check Common Synonyms: For the 'essence' meaning, consider words like 'gist' or 'core'. For 'ghost', think 'wraith' or 'specter'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'spirit' have so many different crossword answers?
The word 'spirit' is highly polysemous, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings. In crosswords, clues leverage these different definitions—from the ethereal (soul, ghost) to the emotional (morale, zest) and even the alcoholic (gin, rum). This breadth makes it a versatile clue for setters.
How can I narrow down the answer for a 'spirit' clue?
Look closely at the surrounding words in the clue for context. Is it 'Halloween spirit' (GHOST), 'team spirit' (MORALE), or 'festive spirit' (ZEST)? The number of letters, intersecting letters from other clues, and the puzzle's overall theme also provide crucial hints to determine the specific meaning intended.
Are alcoholic beverages often clued as 'spirit'?
Yes, 'spirit' is a common and straightforward way to clue alcoholic beverages like GIN, RUM, or VODKA in crosswords. If the clue hints at a drink or is short, consider these common answers first, especially for puzzles that are not themed around complex topics.