Crossword puzzles have long been a beloved pastime for word enthusiasts, offering both mental stimulation and linguistic satisfaction. One clue that often appears and challenges solvers is Be desirous of. Though it may sound straightforward at first, this type of clue can actually open the door to multiple potential answers, depending on the length, the intersecting words, and the context provided by the puzzle’s theme. Understanding how to approach clues like Be desirous of can improve your crossword-solving skills and broaden your appreciation for wordplay and vocabulary depth.
Understanding the Nature of the Clue
Definitional Clue Style
Be desirous of falls into the category of definitional clues, which are typically direct and do not involve tricky wordplay or cryptic indicators. These clues ask solvers to think of synonyms or alternative phrases that match the meaning of the clue exactly or very closely. When you encounter Be desirous of, you’re essentially being asked: What word or phrase means to strongly want or wish for something?
Part of Speech Considerations
Since Be desirous of is a verb phrase, you should expect a verb or verb-like response. This helps eliminate certain nouns or adjectives that might seem related but don’t grammatically fit the clue. For example, the noun desire wouldn’t work as a direct answer unless the clue were reworded as a noun clue, like A strong want.
Possible Answers and Synonyms
Common Crossword Solutions
Over time, certain answers have become recurring solutions to Be desirous of. These include:
- Crave One of the most direct synonyms. It means to long for something intensely.
- Want A simple and frequent crossword answer due to its short length and clear connection to desire.
- Yearn Slightly more poetic or emotional in tone, this word often appears in puzzles of higher difficulty.
- Covet A strong word often associated with desire, sometimes with a negative or envious undertone.
- Long Often used with for (e.g., long for), but may still appear depending on the puzzle’s phrasing.
Less Common but Valid Alternatives
- Hanker Typically appears in older or British-leaning puzzles.
- Wish While broad in meaning, it can sometimes be used as a valid response.
- Thirst Metaphorically used to express strong desire, particularly in poetic or figurative clues.
How to Determine the Right Answer
Use the Crossword Grid
The most helpful tool for narrowing down your options is the crossword grid itself. Pay attention to the number of squares, and especially the letters that intersect from crossing clues. If the clue Be desirous of has five squares and the third one is A, then Crave or Yearn might be good candidates. If it’s four squares and starts with W, Want is likely correct.
Consider the Puzzle’s Theme and Tone
Crosswords often have a theme that influences the word choices of certain clues. If the puzzle has an emotional or romantic theme, Yearn or Long may be more appropriate. If the tone is more contemporary or casual, then Want or Crave might be favored. Evaluating the surrounding clues can provide subtle hints about which word fits best.
Check Verb Tense and Usage
Although Be desirous of is phrased in a somewhat formal tone, the answer may not necessarily match that tone. Be open to both formal and informal synonyms. Also, ensure that the verb form matches answers should be in base form unless otherwise indicated.
Examples of Clues and How They Vary
Direct Clues
- Be desirous of (5) â Possible answer: Crave
- Strongly want (4) â Possible answer: Want
- Have a yearning for (5) â Possible answer: Yearn
Figurative or Thematic Clues
- What the heart does, perhaps (5) â Possible answer: Yearn
- Eye another’s prize (5) â Possible answer: Covet
- Deep emotional longing (5) â Possible answer: Crave
Tips for Mastering Similar Clues
Build a Vocabulary List
Keep a running list of verbs that express desire, yearning, or longing. These words tend to appear repeatedly in crossword puzzles. By familiarizing yourself with them, you’ll be more confident and quicker in solving future clues.
Practice Contextual Thinking
Don’t just memorize definitions practice thinking about how different desire-related verbs are used in context. Crave often applies to food or addiction, Covet has a jealous undertone, Yearn is romantic or emotional, and Want is neutral. This subtlety can help you determine the most contextually appropriate choice.
Pay Attention to Crossword Lengths
One of the most practical tools in your solving arsenal is counting the number of squares in the answer. Most crossword puzzles will provide this information either through the grid itself or in parentheses. This clue length helps you rule out incompatible answers.
Why Be Desirous of Is a Tricky Clue
Ambiguity and Nuance
While the clue sounds clear, the range of possible answers is fairly wide. This clue plays on the nuanced differences between synonyms, especially those with emotional or psychological weight. The challenge lies in finding the exact match that not only fits semantically but also fits within the puzzle’s constraints.
Overlap with Other Clue Types
Sometimes clues can blur the line between direct definitions and figurative language. A clue like Be desirous of might appear straightforward, but in a themed puzzle, it could have a metaphorical twist, requiring lateral thinking. This keeps solvers on their toes and adds variety to the puzzle-solving experience.
The clue Be desirous of is a staple in the crossword world because it offers just the right balance of challenge and clarity. It rewards solvers who have a strong vocabulary, an eye for nuance, and a methodical approach to narrowing down possibilities. Whether the correct answer is Crave, Want, Yearn, or Covet, recognizing the possible solutions and understanding how to work through intersecting clues will enhance your puzzle-solving skills. As with all crosswords, the key is practice, patience, and a love for words. With time, clues like these will become less of a hurdle and more of a satisfying moment of discovery.