The journey through the daily grid often presents us with those delightful little brain-teasers that seem simple on the surface but hide layers of potential meaning. One such
crossword clue
that frequently appears, in various forms, is “Hungers for.” At first glance, it feels straightforward, evoking primal desires. But in the world of crosswords, nothing is ever quite as direct as it seems, and mastering such entries requires a nuanced approach, blending linguistic precision with a keen sense of a constructor’s likely intentions.
When you encounter “Hungers for” as a
crossword clue
, the initial instinct might be to think of literal, physical hunger. However, the beauty of this particular
crossword clue
lies in its broader, more metaphorical interpretations. It’s rarely about needing a sandwich. Instead, it leans heavily into strong desires, intense yearnings, or profound cravings for something intangible. Think of longing for success, pining for affection, or thirsting for knowledge. These are the realms a constructor is typically exploring, making your task less about basic vocabulary and more about identifying synonyms for deep aspiration.
The presence of “for” in the
crossword clue
is a significant indicator. It tells you that the answer will likely be a verb that naturally pairs with this preposition, or a single verb that encapsulates that prepositional relationship. For example, if the answer were “desires,” it implies “desires for.” If it were “longs,” it implies “longs for.” This is a critical distinction, as some potential synonyms might not fit this grammatical structure. Always consider how the proposed solution would sound if you were to append “for” to it, or if “for” is inherently built into its meaning. This grammatical compatibility is often the key to unlocking a challenging
crossword clue
.
Another crucial aspect to consider when tackling this particular
crossword clue
is the tense and number. “Hungers” is a present tense, third-person singular verb. Therefore, your answer must mirror this form. If you’re thinking of a possible solution like “craving,” that would be incorrect because it’s a gerund or noun, not a matching verb form. The solution needs to be a present tense, third-person singular verb that accurately conveys the sense of yearning. This strict adherence to grammatical parallelism is a fundamental rule in crossword construction and a vital tool for any solver to wield effectively.
Beyond the semantic and grammatical analysis, general solving strategies come into play. The number of letters in the solution box is your most powerful friend. With a
crossword clue
like “Hungers for,” many plausible synonyms might spring to mind. The letter count immediately whittles down the possibilities, leaving you with a much more manageable set of options. Furthermore, pay close attention to intersecting letters from other solved clues. Even a single letter can transform a broad field of possibilities into a definitive answer. This interplay between the clue itself and the surrounding grid is what makes solving so rewarding.
Ultimately, “Hungers for” is a quintessential
crossword clue
that tests not just your vocabulary, but your understanding of nuance, grammar, and the subtle art of linguistic interpretation. It’s a clue that rewards careful thought, encouraging you to look beyond the obvious and delve into the richness of the English language. When you finally place that last letter, the satisfaction comes from knowing you’ve navigated its clever misdirections and arrived at the precise, elegant solution.
Available Answers:
CRAVES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1016-25 NY Times Crossword 16 Oct 25, Thursday