“Clever, intelligent (6)” – Ah, the beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
. There’s something supremely satisfying about staring at a puzzle, encountering a phrase like this, and knowing it’s just waiting for the right six-letter word to unlock its secret. For many a daily
crossword
enthusiast, these synonym-based clues are both a blessing and a delightful challenge. They embody the very essence of why we engage in
solving crosswords
.
When you encounter a
crossword clue
that presents two seemingly interchangeable adjectives, like “clever” and “intelligent,” it’s easy to think, “Surely there are dozens of words that fit!” And you’d be right, in a general sense. But the magic, and often the frustration, of the
crossword puzzle
lies in its precision. The setter isn’t just looking for
any
word that means “smart”; they’re looking for
the
word that best captures the essence of
both
“clever”
and
“intelligent” within the confines of a specific letter count. This is where the true lexical challenge of a good
crossword clue
shines.
This particular
crossword clue
, “Clever, intelligent (6),” is a masterclass in subtlety. “Clever” often implies quick-wittedness, ingenuity, perhaps even a bit of guile or a knack for problem-solving in a non-traditional way. It speaks to mental agility. “Intelligent,” on the other hand, leans more towards raw cognitive ability, understanding, reasoning, and breadth of knowledge. It suggests depth of thought. The perfect six-letter answer for this
crossword clue
needs to bridge that subtle semantic gap, encompassing both the agile mind of the “clever” person and the profound understanding of the “intelligent” individual. It’s not just about a simple synonym; it’s about a word that perfectly overlaps the Venn diagram of these two concepts.
Think about your approach when tackling such a
crossword clue
. Do you immediately start listing every synonym you know for “smart”? Or do you pause, considering the nuances? This is where the true art of
solving crosswords
comes into play. It’s not just about vocabulary; it’s about understanding the setter’s intent. They’ve chosen these two words for a reason, implying a specific blend of attributes that might not be immediately obvious. For effective
crossword help
, this analytical pause is key.
The parenthetical (6) is, of course, your golden ticket. It eliminates countless possibilities, narrowing the field dramatically. If this
crossword clue
were (8) or (4), the answer would almost certainly be different, highlighting just how critical the word length indicator is in guiding your thought process. It forces you to think within a very specific lexical box, making the hunt for the right word both more challenging and ultimately more rewarding. Without the constraint of the word length, a
crossword clue
like this would be far too open-ended.
Many an evening has been spent poring over such a
crossword clue
, jotting down possibilities, erasing, and trying again. It’s the mental gymnastics that make
solving crosswords
so addictive. This “Clever, intelligent (6)“
crossword clue
isn’t just about finding a word; it’s about appreciating the linguistic craftsmanship involved in setting the puzzle. It invites you to consider the subtle differences in meaning between words we often use interchangeably.
For anyone seeking
crossword help
, this is a prime example of a clue that encourages deep linguistic exploration rather than just a quick dictionary lookup. It pushes you to truly understand the synonyms, the slight shifts in emphasis. Whether you’re a seasoned
crossword puzzle
veteran or just starting your journey into the world of
daily crossword
challenges, clues like this one remind us why we love these word puzzles so much. They challenge us, educate us, and occasionally make us feel incredibly smart when we finally crack them.
So, when faced with this particular
crossword clue
, take a moment. Ponder the shades of meaning. Consider the exact word count. And enjoy the process of unraveling one of the most satisfying types of lexical challenges. Finding the perfect fit for “Clever, intelligent (6)” is a testament to your linguistic prowess and your ability to think like a
crossword
setter.
Available Answers:
BRAINY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Thursday, 21 August 2025