Welcome back, fellow word sleuths! There are some crossword clues that just stick with you. Not because they’re impossibly hard, but because they’re so cleverly constructed, they feel like a mini-puzzle within the larger grid. Today, I want to chat about one such gem: ‘Intrinsically motivated (… the first two and last three letters).’
This isn’t your average ‘four-letter word for feline’ crossword clue, is it? It’s a testament to the art of clue writing, hinting at a concept while simultaneously providing a structural constraint. When you first read ‘Intrinsically motivated,’ your mind might immediately leap to psychology, self-drive, or personal passion. It’s a rich phrase, evoking deep wells of inner purpose. But then comes the crucial parenthetical: ‘… the first two and last three letters.’ This little tag transforms the entire challenge, shifting your focus from the abstract concept to a very concrete linguistic task.
It’s a beautiful example of how a seemingly simple crossword clue can demand multiple layers of thought. First, you ponder the meaning of the core phrase. What drives someone from within? What is that fundamental force? Then, you engage in the wordplay, the delightful deconstruction and reconstruction required by the letter count. It’s about finding that perfect word that not only captures the essence of being ‘intrinsically motivated’ but also fits the precise letter pattern specified.
These are the kinds of crossword clues that make the hobby so endlessly fascinating. They push you beyond rote memorization, encouraging lateral thinking and a keen eye for linguistic detail. The satisfaction of cracking a crossword clue like this isn’t just about filling a square; it’s about appreciating the ingenuity behind its creation and the mental gymnastics you performed to conquer it. So, let’s dive into the thought process for tackling such a sophisticated crossword clue. What did you make of it?
Available Answers:
SELFDRIVEN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Divided Numbers By Adam Simpson