temper crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "temper crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution for your puzzle.
Solutions for "temper crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MOOD: A state of mind or disposition, often related to anger.
CALM: To soothe or make tranquil, often used in the context of controlling one's anger.
RAGE: A feeling of intense anger, often uncontrollable.
5 Letters
ALLAY: To diminish or put at rest (fear, suspicion, or worry); to alleviate.
6 Letters
ANNEAL: In metallurgy, to heat (metal or glass) and allow it to cool slowly, in order to remove internal stresses and toughen it.
HARDEN: To make or become hard or harder, often applied to metals or feelings.
MODIFY: To make partial or minor changes to (something), typically so as to improve it or to make it less extreme.
DAMPEN: To make less strong or intense, often referring to enthusiasm or feelings.
More About "temper crossword clue"
The clue "temper" is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings that crossword setters love to exploit. In its most common usage, it refers to one's disposition or state of mind, especially when associated with anger or irritability. This leads to answers like MOOD, RAGE, or FURY. Conversely, to 'temper' can also mean to moderate or soften, providing solutions such as CALM or ALLAY.
Beyond human emotions, "temper" also has a precise meaning in metallurgy. It refers to the process of heat treatment used to improve the toughness and ductility of metals, such as steel, often after hardening. This technical definition can lead to answers like ANNEAL or HARDEN. Understanding these distinct contexts is key to cracking such clues, as the intersecting letters will ultimately reveal which meaning the setter intended.
Solving clues with multiple meanings like "temper" requires a flexible mindset and an awareness of the various definitions a word can possess. Crossword setters often rely on these ambiguities to make their puzzles more challenging and engaging, pushing solvers to think beyond the most obvious interpretation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always think about alternative definitions for a word, especially common ones like 'temper.' Words can have noun, verb, and even adjective forms, all with distinct meanings.
- Check Letter Count: The length of the answer is your most reliable guide. If you have partial letters from intersecting clues, use them to narrow down possibilities rapidly.
- Look for Homophones and Puns: Some clues use wordplay like homophones (words that sound alike but have different spellings/meanings) or puns. Be open to creative interpretations.
- Utilize Cross-References: Don't get stuck on one clue. If you're struggling, move to another part of the puzzle. Filling in other answers often provides crucial letters for the tricky ones.
- Build Vocabulary: The more words you know, especially those common in crosswords (crosswordese), the faster you'll solve. Regularly reading and engaging with language helps immensely.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "temper" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "temper" can refer to several meanings. It often relates to a person's mood or disposition (e.g., MOOD, RAGE, FURY, CALM). However, it can also refer to the metallurgical process of heating and cooling metal to improve its hardness or elasticity (e.g., ANNEAL, HARDEN, TOUGHEN), or more generally to modify or moderate something (e.g., ALLAY, DAMPEN, MODIFY).
Why do crosswords sometimes have multiple answers for the same clue?
Crosswords frequently have multiple possible answers for a single clue due to the rich ambiguity of the English language, synonyms, and different interpretations. The correct answer depends on the specific letters already filled in from intersecting clues, as well as the puzzle's theme or setter's style. This variety adds to the challenge and fun of solving.
How can I improve my crossword-solving speed and accuracy?
Improving your crossword skills involves consistent practice and adopting a few strategies. Start by tackling the easiest clues first to get some letters on the board. Pay attention to clue indicators like 'abbr.' or 'plural.' Familiarize yourself with common crosswordese (words frequently appearing in puzzles). Reading books on crossword strategies and regularly solving different types of puzzles can also significantly boost your performance.