very nearly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "very nearly crossword clue" to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. We provide answers broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations.
Solutions for "very nearly crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ABOUT: Signifies approximately or close to, fitting the meaning of very nearly.
6 Letters
ALMOST: Indicates something is very close to happening or being true, but not quite.
NEARLY: Synonymous with almost; very close to a state or condition.
ALLBUT: Expresses that something is very close to being true or complete, often implying everything except a small part.
More About "very nearly crossword clue"
The phrase "very nearly" is a common adverbial expression used to convey proximity in terms of time, quantity, or degree. In crossword puzzles, it frequently acts as a direct synonym for words like ALMOST or NEARLY, making them primary candidates for solutions. The trick for solvers is often distinguishing between these very similar terms based on the number of letters required by the grid.
Beyond the most obvious synonyms, crossword setters might occasionally use more nuanced words that imply a state of being "very nearly" something. For instance, 'ALLBUT' suggests something is complete except for a small detail, which aligns well with the concept of being very nearly finished. Understanding these subtle variations can be key to unlocking tougher puzzles.
When you encounter "very nearly" as a clue, always start by considering the most direct synonyms. If those don't fit the letter count, expand your thinking to include phrases or less common adverbs that convey a similar sense of proximity or approximation. Context within the puzzle (e.g., surrounding letters, theme) can also provide valuable hints.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the number of letters required for the answer. This is the most crucial constraint in crosswords and immediately narrows down possibilities.
- Consider Synonyms: For common phrases like "very nearly", think of all possible synonyms first. Brainstorm broader related terms if direct synonyms don't fit.
- Look for Homophones/Puns: Sometimes clues are wordplay. "Very nearly" is quite direct, but other clues might hide a sound-alike word or a pun that changes the expected meaning.
- Check Cross-References: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them to your advantage. They can confirm or eliminate potential answers, making the solution much clearer.
- Don't Be Afraid to Use a Helper: If you're truly stuck, using a resource like Crosswordanswer.co.uk is perfectly fine. It's a great way to learn new vocabulary and clue types for future puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between similar answers like ALMOST and NEARLY?
When faced with similar answers like ALMOST and NEARLY, consider the surrounding letters already filled in your crossword grid. The precise letter count provided by the puzzle will also be your primary guide. Sometimes, the specific nuance of the clue (e.g., 'almost complete' vs. 'nearly perfect') can hint at one over the other, though they are often interchangeable.
What if my answer for 'very nearly' doesn't fit the letter count?
If your chosen answer doesn't fit the letter count, it means you need to look for another synonym that matches the required length. Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers depending on the setter's intent. Refer to lists of synonyms and check words of different lengths that convey a similar meaning to 'very nearly'.
Can 'very nearly' imply a negative context in a crossword?
While 'very nearly' usually implies 'almost achieved' or 'almost true', in some nuanced crossword clues, it could lean towards a negative meaning, such as 'hardly' (meaning 'almost not at all'). However, for direct clues like 'very nearly', positive synonyms are far more common.