Some crossword clues demand more than just a firm grasp of English vocabulary; they delve into the fascinating world of etymology and comparative linguistics. Many seasoned solvers will attest to the unique challenge posed by clues that reach across language barriers, asking us to find an English counterpart for a foreign concept. Among the most frequent visitors from the French language to our daily crossword puzzles is the ubiquitous ‘-ant’ suffix.
This isn’t just a random bit of French grammar; it’s a cornerstone that often appears in various forms in a crossword clue. Understanding its core function in French is the first step towards unlocking its English equivalent, a crucial skill for any serious crossword enthusiast. In French, the ‘-ant’ suffix typically signals the present participle. This grammatical form is incredibly versatile, acting as a verbal adjective, describing an ongoing action (e.g.,
chantant
– singing), or even transforming into a noun, designating someone or something that performs the action (e.g.,
étudiant
– student, literally ‘studying one’).
The beauty and occasional frustration of such a crossword clue lie in finding that single, elegant English parallel. English, with its vast lexicon and rich history of linguistic borrowing and evolution, possesses a suffix that mirrors this versatility almost perfectly. When faced with a French word ending in ‘-ant’ in a crossword clue, the mental gears immediately start turning, searching for that specific English ending that conveys the same active, ongoing, or agent-like meaning. It’s a linguistic bridge we’re asked to cross, connecting the fluidity of French participles to a distinct, high-frequency English grammatical structure.
For those tackling a challenging crossword puzzle, these types of language-centric clues can be real stumbling blocks. Yet, once you recognize the pattern and understand the underlying grammatical relationship, they transform from obstacles into satisfying ‘aha!’ moments. Mastering the English equivalent to the French ‘-ant’ suffix not only enriches your vocabulary but also sharpens your overall clue-solving strategies. It’s a prime example of how expanding your linguistic awareness, even subtly, can significantly boost your performance in even the trickiest daily crossword. The next time you encounter a French-derived word in a crossword clue hinting at this common suffix, you’ll know exactly what kind of English word form you’re looking for, making your path to a completed grid much smoother. This particular English suffix is a workhorse, a staple that forms countless words in our language, performing exactly the same functions as its French counterpart, making it an ideal candidate for a clever crossword clue.
Available Answers:
ING.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Saturday’s Daily By Rafael Musa / Ed. Patti Varol