weal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all possible solutions for the intriguing "weal crossword clue," along with clear explanations to help you understand why each answer fits. We've got you covered for every letter count.
Solutions for "weal crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WELT: A raised mark on the skin, often from a blow or insect bite.
GOOD: Refers to well-being or prosperity, as in 'the public good'.
5 Letters
WHEAL: An itchy, red, raised area on the skin, often an allergic reaction, similar to a weal.
6 Letters
HEALTH: A state of physical and mental well-being, synonymous with a positive weal.
7 Letters
WELFARE: The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group, a direct synonym for 'public weal'.
More About "weal crossword clue"
The word "weal" can be a challenging clue for crossword solvers due to its dual meanings. Historically, "weal" is most commonly associated with prosperity or well-being, particularly in phrases like "common weal" or "public weal," referring to the general good of a community. This is where answers like HEALTH or WELFARE come into play.
However, "weal" also has a distinct meaning referring to a raised, red mark on the skin, often caused by a blow or insect bite, making it a direct synonym for a "welt" or a "wheal." Crossword constructors love to exploit these multiple definitions to create clever and sometimes perplexing clues. Understanding both facets of the word is key to cracking such puzzles.
When you encounter "weal" in a crossword, always consider the length of the required answer and any other intersecting letters. These can often guide you towards whether the clue is referencing well-being or a skin mark, allowing you to select the correct solution from the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: For words like "weal," always think if the word has more than one common definition. Crossword setters frequently use homographs to create misdirection.
- Check Letter Count and Crossings: The number of letters and any already filled-in crossing letters are your best friends. They can quickly eliminate incorrect solutions when a clue has multiple potential answers.
- Context is King: Pay attention to the rest of the clue. Is it asking about a physical state, a legal concept, or a general feeling? The context often provides subtle hints about which meaning of a word is intended.
- Look for Anagrams or Puns: While not directly applicable to "weal" in this instance, many words are clues through anagrams or wordplay. Keep an eye out for indicators like "mixed up," "rearranged," or humorous phrasing.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'weal' mean in a crossword puzzle?
'Weal' is a trickier crossword clue because it has two primary, distinct meanings. It can refer to a state of well-being, prosperity, or happiness (e.g., 'the public weal'). Alternatively, it can mean a red, swollen mark on the skin, like a welt, often caused by a blow or lash. Crossword setters frequently play on these dual definitions.
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of 'weal' in crosswords?
To distinguish, pay close attention to the clue's surrounding words or indicators. If the clue implies a positive state, such as 'public welfare' or 'common good', then answers like GOOD, HEALTH, or WELFARE are likely. If the clue suggests a physical mark or injury, perhaps with words like 'mark' or 'lash', then WELT or WHEAL would be more appropriate. The letter count of the answer is also a crucial hint.
Are there other words similar to 'weal' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, several words can be confused with 'weal' due to similar spelling or sound. For the 'mark' meaning, 'welt' or 'wheal' are almost identical. For the 'well-being' meaning, synonyms like 'welfare', 'prosperity', and 'health' are common. Always consider the context and other crossing letters when these similar words appear.