The satisfying click when a crossword clue finally makes sense is a feeling few can rival. It’s that moment of illumination, often after a period of head-scratching, when all the disparate pieces – the definition, the letter count, the cross-references – suddenly lock into place. Today, we’re diving into a classic example that often appears in various grids, a crossword clue that seems straightforward on the surface but can make you pause for thought: “Concur, assent (5)“.
This particular crossword clue is a brilliant illustration of how compilers often use multiple synonyms to point to a single, precise word. It’s not about finding just any word that means ‘concur’, nor just any word that means ‘assent’. The real challenge, and the elegance of the crossword clue, lies in unearthing the
common ground
between these two distinct yet related terms. Both “concur” and “assent” speak to a notion of alignment, of a shared perspective or an agreement to a proposal. They hint at a coming together, a meeting of minds or wills.
When faced with such a crossword clue, the initial reaction is often to mentally list synonyms for each word separately. For “concur,” you might think of terms like “coincide” or “approve.” For “assent,” words like “consent” or “accede” might spring to mind. The trick, then, is to filter this mental list through two critical lenses: the
overlap
between the two sets of synonyms, and the all-important
letter count
. In this case, we’re looking for a five-letter word that perfectly embodies the shared essence of both “concur” and “assent.”
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue like “Concur, assent (5)” is its precision. While many words might loosely fit one definition or the other, very few truly capture the nuanced meaning that
both
words convey simultaneously. “Concur” often implies agreement in opinion or an event happening at the same time, while “assent” typically refers to the expression of approval or agreement, particularly to a proposition. The compiler isn’t just throwing two similar words at you; they’re asking you to find the linguistic sweet spot where their meanings converge most completely and efficiently.
Consider the subtle differences: you might “concur” with an idea, or two events might “concur.” You “assent” to a request or a statement. Yet, there’s a core concept of alignment that binds them. Identifying this core concept is key to cracking this type of crossword clue. It’s about stripping away the specific contexts and focusing on the pure, unadulterated meaning they share. And, of course, ensuring that your candidate word fits precisely into those five waiting squares in the grid.
Often, these kinds of crossword clues test not just your vocabulary, but your ability to parse shades of meaning. They encourage a deeper appreciation for the English language, highlighting how seemingly interchangeable words actually carry their own distinct weight and usage. To successfully tackle this crossword clue, one must ponder the fundamental act of yielding to an opinion, expressing approval, or being in harmonious agreement with another. It’s a journey into the heart of consensus, distilled into a single, compact, five-letter word.
As you ponder this particular crossword clue, take a moment to appreciate the compiler’s craft. They’ve given you two strong pointers, both guiding you towards a very specific destination. The fun is in navigating that path, sifting through the linguistic possibilities, and ultimately pinpointing the exact word that fulfills both conditions. This isn’t just about filling squares; it’s about mastering the art of the crossword clue.
Available Answers:
AGREE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 23 September 2025