tempers crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below, you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "tempers crossword clue", organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills. Get quick help and insightful explanations right here.
Solutions for "tempers crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CALMS: To soothe or quiet emotions, reducing agitation. This refers to the act of making something less intense or agitated, often used in the context of emotional states.
7 Letters
ANNEALS: To strengthen or harden (metal or glass) by heating and then cooling slowly. This refers to a metallurgical process where the properties of a material are modified, often for strength or ductility.
HARDENS: Makes or becomes rigid, firm, or resistant to force. Similar to anneal, but can also refer to making one's resolve or character more robust.
8 Letters
INCENSES: Causes extreme anger or indignation in someone. This refers to provoking or inflaming a person's emotions, often to a state of fury.
More About "tempers crossword clue"
The clue "tempers" in crosswords is a fascinating example of a word with dual meanings that are almost opposite. On one hand, it can refer to the metallurgical process of tempering, where materials like steel or glass are heated and then cooled to improve their hardness, elasticity, or strength. This interpretation often leads to answers like ANNEALS or HARDENS, focusing on the physical modification of a substance.
Conversely, "tempers" can also refer to the act of moderating or adjusting something, particularly emotions or an emotional state. In this sense, it means to soothe, calm, or alleviate. This usage points towards answers like CALMS or SOOTHES, dealing with the emotional well-being of a person. The challenge for the solver lies in discerning which of these contexts the puzzle setter intends, often guided by the number of letters required and the surrounding clues.
Another, less common, interpretation of "tempers" can be to irritate or provoke someone's mood, hence answers like INCENSES or RUFFLES. This duality makes "tempers" a rich and sometimes tricky crossword clue, requiring solvers to consider various linguistic facets and specific contexts. Mastering such clues is key to becoming a proficient crossword solver.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: For clues like "tempers" that have multiple, often opposing meanings, always list potential answers for each interpretation.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. It immediately narrows down possibilities from the vast dictionary of words.
- Examine Crossing Words: Once you have a potential answer, try to fit it with the crossing clues. If letters don't align, your assumed answer might be incorrect, or you're looking at the wrong meaning of the clue.
- Think About the Puzzle's Theme: Sometimes, a puzzle has an overarching theme that can guide you. If other clues are about metallurgy, "tempers" is more likely to mean ANNEALS. If they're about emotions, CALMS might be it.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "tempers" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "tempers" is a versatile clue that can refer to two main meanings: either to modify or adjust something (like tempering steel to harden it), or to soothe/calm emotions. It can also, less commonly, imply ruffling or provoking someone's emotions, depending on the specific puzzle's nuance.
How can I distinguish between "tempers" meaning to calm and "tempers" meaning to harden in a crossword?
The key is often the number of letters in the answer, the crossing letters, and the overall theme or other clues in the puzzle. For example, if the answer has 5 letters and starts with 'C', 'CALMS' is a strong candidate. If it's 7 letters and relates to materials, 'ANNEALS' or 'HARDENS' might fit. Always consider both possibilities initially.
Are there common synonyms for "tempers" that appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for "tempers" often found in crosswords include ANNEALS, HARDENS, MELDS (for mixing), CALMS, SOOTHES (for emotions), and sometimes PROVOKES or INCENSES (if the clue implies the opposite action of calming).