The silent battle begins with a single glance at the grid. Most solvers can relate to that moment when a seemingly straightforward
crossword clue
presents itself, yet its answer remains stubbornly elusive. It’s a common experience, a subtle challenge that the best
crossword clue
setters masterfully craft. Today, we delve into one such intriguing example: ‘Greatly anger (6)‘.
This isn’t just about ‘anger’ in its mildest form. The adverb ‘greatly’ instantly elevates the stakes, transforming a simple emotion into a powerful force. We’re not talking about a fleeting irritation or a minor annoyance. This
crossword clue
points to something far more profound, a state where frustration boils over, where patience has utterly evaporated, and a significant emotional upheaval is in play. Think of the kind of fury that makes one’s blood run cold or their face flush crimson. That’s the intensity we’re aiming for.
When approaching a
crossword clue
like this, the first step is always to dissect each word. ‘Anger’ is straightforward, a noun that can also function as a verb, meaning to make someone angry. But ‘greatly’ is the real key here. It demands a synonym for ‘anger’ that inherently carries a substantial degree of intensity within its very definition. Words like ‘irritate’ or ‘annoy’ just won’t cut it. They lack the necessary punch, the sheer emotional weight that ‘greatly’ imposes. We need a verb that embodies strong indignation, a profound sense of exasperation, or even a deep-seated wrath.
Consider the spectrum of human emotion. On one end, you have mild displeasure; on the other, an uncontrollable rage. This particular
crossword clue
pushes us firmly towards the latter. What verbs immediately spring to mind when someone is pushed to their absolute limit? Words that describe a furious reaction, a state of being completely incensed, or even maddened to the core. The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its ability to make us ponder these nuances, to explore the subtle differences between seemingly similar words.
The ‘ (6)’ is, of course, our crucial length indicator. This immediately narrows down the possibilities, guiding us away from longer, more complex phrases and towards a concise, impactful word. Many words describe anger – infuriate, enrage, exasperate – but not all fit the precise letter count. The skilled
crossword clue
solver knows to keep this constraint at the forefront of their mind, using it as a powerful filter to sift through potential answers. It’s a process of elimination, a linguistic puzzle where every letter matters.
This type of
crossword clue
often tests our vocabulary for synonyms that aren’t necessarily everyday conversational terms but are perfectly at home in the formal, precise language of crosswords. Sometimes, the answer to a challenging
crossword clue
can be a word that feels a little old-fashioned, or perhaps more literary, yet perfectly conveys the exact shade of meaning required. It requires us to stretch beyond our immediate linguistic comfort zone and delve deeper into the lexicon.
Ultimately, cracking a
crossword clue
like ‘Greatly anger (6)‘ is incredibly satisfying. It’s a testament to the power of precise language and the joy of uncovering the perfect word that fits all criteria – meaning, intensity, and length. It’s a reminder that even the most common emotions can be described with a word that feels just right, offering that triumphant ‘aha!’ moment all solvers cherish. So, the next time you encounter a
crossword clue
that asks you to find a word for profound emotion, remember to dissect the intensity first. The answer, often, lies in the depth of the feeling.
Available Answers:
ENRAGE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Sunday, 7 September 2025