Ever found yourself staring at a
crossword clue
that seems to take a perfectly ordinary word and twist its meaning into something utterly specific, something you only ever encounter in the most formal of contexts? One such enduring classic that frequently graces the grids is the seemingly simple “Born, in marriage announcements.” It’s a phrase that, for seasoned solvers, instantly clicks, yet for newcomers, it can be a delightful, perplexing challenge.
Let’s dive into why this particular phrasing, “Born, in marriage announcements,” holds such significance in both linguistics and the world of
crossword clues
. At first glance, “born” evokes images of birth, of being brought into existence. And while that fundamental meaning is certainly at its root, its application in formal announcements takes on a highly specialized role.
In the elegant prose of a traditional marriage announcement, you might read something like, “Miss Eleanor Vance, born Harrison, will marry Mr. Thomas Black.” Here, “born Harrison” isn’t referring to Eleanor’s birth itself, but rather to her maiden name – the surname she carried from birth up until her marriage. It serves as an essential identifier, clarifying her identity by stating the family name she was born into, prior to her current or impending married name. This precise usage distinguishes her from any other “Eleanor Vance” and ensures there is no ambiguity about her lineage or previous identity. It’s a linguistic shortcut, elegant and economical, conveying a wealth of information in just one word.
This specific, almost archival, function of “born” makes it an absolute gem for
crossword clue
setters. Why? Because it deviates from the word’s most common, everyday definition. A good
crossword clue
thrives on these nuances, on testing a solver’s understanding of less common, more formal, or context-dependent meanings. It pushes you beyond surface-level comprehension and into the deeper lexicon of the English language. When you encounter “Born, in marriage announcements,” it’s not asking for the act of birth, but for the specific identifier of a previous name. This shift in perspective is what makes the clue simultaneously challenging and deeply satisfying to solve.
The beauty of such a
crossword clue
lies in its conciseness and its ability to pinpoint a very particular aspect of language. It forces solvers to consider the precise environment in which a word is used and the unique function it performs within that setting. Understanding this grammatical role of “born” – as a descriptor for a person’s original surname – is key to unlocking not just this specific
crossword clue
, but also developing a broader appreciation for the precise nature of formal language.
So, the next time you encounter “Born, in marriage announcements” as a
crossword clue
, pause to appreciate the linguistic journey it sends you on. It’s more than just a word; it’s a window into the careful construction of identity in formal records, and a testament to the cleverness that makes every
crossword clue
a mini-puzzle of its own. It’s this kind of detail that elevates crosswords from simple word games to engaging explorations of language itself.
Available Answers:
NEE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0818-25 NY Times Crossword 18 Aug 25, Monday