star crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the crossword clue "star crossword clue," helping you complete your puzzle with ease. We cover all possible word lengths and meanings.
Solutions for "star crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SUN: A celestial body, often clued as a primary example of a star, and our closest one.
4 Letters
IDOL: A person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered, often a famous celebrity or 'star'.
5 Letters
ACTOR: A person whose profession is acting on the stage, in films, or on television, frequently referred to as a 'star' in their field.
6 Letters
ASTRAL: Relating to or resembling the stars, often used to describe celestial phenomena or realms.
8 Letters
ASTERISK: A symbol (*) used in writing as a reference mark or to indicate omission, so named because it resembles a small star.
9 Letters
CELEBRITY: A famous person, especially in entertainment or sports, often referred to as a 'star'.
More About "star crossword clue"
The clue "star" is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings that crossword setters love to exploit. At its core, "star" refers to a luminous celestial body, like our own Sun, or any of the countless distant suns that twinkle in the night sky. When clued this way, answers might relate to astronomy, constellations, or the very nature of these cosmic entities.
However, "star" also prominently features in crosswords as a synonym for a famous person. An "actor," "idol," or "celebrity" fits this definition perfectly, referring to someone who shines brightly in their field of entertainment, sports, or public life. The context of the clue—whether it hints at Hollywood glamour or the vastness of space—is crucial for determining the correct answer.
Less common, but equally valid, interpretations of "star" include the symbol, such as an "asterisk," which visually resembles a small star. Furthermore, "star" can be used as a verb (to feature prominently) or an adjective (stellar performance), though these are less frequently the direct answer in a standard crossword grid unless specifically hinted at by the clue's phrasing.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always remember that common words like "star" often have several definitions. Don't get fixated on the first meaning that comes to mind.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your best friend. It immediately narrows down the possibilities and can help you distinguish between celestial (e.g., SUN) and famous person (e.g., ACTOR) answers.
- Look at Crossing Letters: The letters you already have filled in from intersecting clues are vital. They will confirm or deny your hypotheses about "star" and guide you to the correct solution.
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: Pay attention to any additional words in the clue. "Hollywood star" clearly points to a person, while "night sky star" indicates a celestial body. Adjectives or adverbs can provide strong hints.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'star' have so many different answers in crosswords?
'Star' is a versatile crossword clue because the word itself has multiple meanings. It can refer to a celestial body (like the sun), a famous person (an actor or celebrity), or even a symbol (like an asterisk). Crossword setters often leverage these different definitions to create challenging yet fair clues.
How can I tell if 'star' refers to a celestial body or a person?
The surrounding words in the clue are key. If the clue mentions 'celestial,' 'night sky,' 'galaxy,' or 'orb,' it likely points to a heavenly body like SUN. If it talks about 'Hollywood,' 'film,' 'stage,' 'fame,' or 'idol,' it's probably referring to a famous individual like ACTOR or CELEB.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'star' in crosswords?
A common pitfall is immediately thinking of 'celebrity' when the clue intends a celestial body, or vice versa. Another is overlooking the less common meanings, such as the asterisk symbol or an adjective like ASTRAL. Always consider the length of the answer and any crossing letters.