Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle
The clue "Hardly!" with the answer "NOT" may seem simple, but it holds a significant linguistic connection that makes this answer fitting. Here's why:
1. Antonym Relationship: In crossword puzzles, one common strategy is to look for opposites or antonyms. The word "Hardly" suggests a negation or opposite meaning, leading us to think of something that goes against the idea conveyed.
2. Contradictory Nature: "Hardly" indicates a sense of scarcity or lack, emphasizing the absence of a particular attribute or action. In contrast, "NOT" is a direct contradiction, explicitly stating the absence or negation of the preceding statement.
3. Encouraging Quick Thinking: Clues like "Hardly!" that seem straightforward actually challenge the solver to think quickly and critically about the possible opposite meanings. This helps keep the crossword engaging and tests the solver's ability to make swift linguistic connections.
By understanding the subtle nuances of language and the relationship between clue and answer, crossword enthusiasts can improve their solving skills and enjoy the mental workout that each puzzle offers.
More Answers:
- NOT
- SCARCELY
- NARY
- BARELY
- FARFROM
- SELDOM
- EVER
- NOTINTHELEAST
- TOUGHLY
- NOTSO
- UNEASILY
Definition of "NOT"
used with an auxiliary verb or ‘be’ to form the negative
Example :The Crossword clue "Hardly!" published 32 time/s & has 11 answer/s.
Crossword | Date | Answer |
Crossword Champ Daily | 12 April 2024 | NOT |
Universal | 27 December 2023 | NOT |
L.A. Times Daily | 8 December 2023 | NOT |
Lovatts Enigma | 18 November 2022 | SCARCELY |
Crossword Champ Premium | 30 August 2022 | NOT |
The Sun Two Speed | 5 December 2019 | BARELY |
New York Times | 1 April 2018 | FARFROM |
The Telegraph - Quick | 1 December 2016 | SCARCELY |
The Times Concise | 28 December 2015 | SCARCELY |
Thomas Joseph – King Feature Syndicate | 21 February 2014 | NOTINTHELEAST |
Wall Street Journal | 27 April 2012 | NOT |
Premier Sunday – King Feature Syndicate | 21 November 2010 | NOT |
Newsday.com | 12 July 2008 | SELDOM |
The Telegraph - Cryptic | 15 September 2007 | Toughly |