The crossword clue “Let’s suppose …” is a masterclass in elegant simplicity, a phrase that, when encountered in the grid, invites not just a solution but a moment of contemplation. It’s a delightful prompt, acting as a gateway to a hypothetical realm, a linguistic prelude to a thought experiment. Unlike many crossword clues that rely on puns, obscure definitions, or intricate wordplay, this one challenges a solver’s grasp of fundamental implication and the subtle art of setting a scene.
At its heart, this particular crossword clue functions as an opener. It’s an invitation to entertain an idea, to consider a possibility, or to momentarily accept a premise. The “Let’s” component is crucial, implying a shared venture, a collaborative leap of imagination with the solver. This isn’t a command as much as it is a suggestion, a gentle nudge toward a mental construct. When dissecting such a crossword clue, the first step is always to consider the many ways one might initiate a hypothetical. What words or short phrases serve this exact purpose in everyday conversation and formal discourse alike?
The beauty of “Let’s suppose …” as a crossword clue lies in its directness, yet it opens doors to a surprisingly varied semantic field. The expected answer will almost certainly be a word that encapsulates the essence of assuming something for the sake of argument, postulating a scenario, or envisioning a situation. It could be a verb that denotes the act of considering a possibility, or an introductory word that sets up a conditional statement. The brevity often demanded by most crossword clues for such common expressions means we are usually looking for a concise, powerful word that immediately conveys the spirit of the prompt.
Think about the situations where you might use “Let’s suppose…”. Perhaps when explaining a complex concept, framing a hypothetical problem, or even just brainstorming possibilities. Each instance calls for a word or phrase that effectively establishes that temporary, imagined reality. The art of solving this crossword clue, therefore, hinges on identifying that core function and finding its most common, succinct English equivalent. It’s a test of semantic precision rather than vast vocabulary. Many crossword clues aim to trick or misdirect; this one aims to distill.
Solvers approaching this specific crossword clue should cast their minds to common synonyms for ‘imagine,’ ‘assume,’ or ‘consider’ in a provisional sense. What is the most straightforward, unadorned way to express the act of taking something as given, purely for the purpose of moving a discussion or thought process forward? The answer is often a foundational verb or a compact introductory adverb that seamlessly fits into this role. The elegance of such a crossword clue is that its solution is often so self-evident, once one strips away the immediate wording and focuses on its underlying purpose. It’s a recurring delight to find a crossword clue that so perfectly encapsulates a common linguistic function with such brevity and grace.
Available Answers:
WHATIF.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Listen Up! By Mike Graczyk