Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the daily ritual of tackling a fresh batch of crossword clues, isn’t there? Some days they practically give themselves away, while others make you scratch your head, consult your notes, and perhaps even stare blankly at the ceiling, waiting for inspiration to strike. Today, I want to delve into a particular type of crossword clue that often trips up solvers, yet offers immense satisfaction once cracked: the descriptive comparative.
We’re putting the spotlight on a specific six-letter crossword clue that popped up recently: “More blonde (6)“. At first glance, it seems straightforward. We’re looking for a word that means “more blonde” and is six letters long. Simple, right? Not always. This is where the subtle brilliance of crossword puzzles, and particularly this kind of crossword clue, truly shines.
When you encounter a crossword clue like “More blonde (6)“, the first thing to consider is its grammatical form. We have an adjective, “blonde,” and the comparative indicator, “more.” This immediately tells us we’re looking for a comparative adjective. Now, in English, we typically form comparatives either by adding “-er” to the adjective (e.g., “taller,” “faster”) or by preceding it with “more” (e.g., “more beautiful,” “more difficult”). The tricky part here is that the clue itself uses “more,” hinting that the answer
might
be one of those adjectives that
doesn’t
take “more” when forming its comparative in the more common, single-word way.
This type of crossword clue forces us to think about inflectional morphology – how words change their form to express grammatical categories. For single-syllable or two-syllable adjectives ending in -y, we often find ourselves adding the “-er” suffix. But what about words that aren’t quite so simple? This is where a good grasp of common English suffixes, and even irregular comparatives, becomes incredibly useful in solving a tricky crossword clue.
Another common pitfall with this specific crossword clue is to immediately jump to synonyms for “blonde” and then try to make them comparative. While a valid strategy for many crossword clues, it can lead you down the wrong path here. The key isn’t finding a synonym that’s “more intense” but rather the
comparative form
of the concept described. It’s a subtle distinction, but it’s crucial for unlocking the answer to this kind of daily crossword clue.
So, how do you approach a crossword clue that seems to be asking for a comparative form of a descriptor?
1.
Identify the base adjective:
In this case, “blonde.”
2.
Consider its typical comparative form:
Does it usually take “-er” or “more”?
3.
Think about alternative forms:
If the common “more [adjective]” is given, is there a single-word comparative that fits the letter count? Sometimes, the word itself might have a less obvious or slightly archaic comparative form that fits the bill.
4.
Context is king:
Although not much context is given in a standalone crossword clue, sometimes neighboring letters or crossing words can provide the necessary hint to confirm your suspicion.
This “More blonde (6)” crossword clue is a fantastic example of how solvers need to move beyond surface-level interpretation and delve into the grammatical mechanics of language. It’s not just about knowing definitions; it’s about understanding how words behave. It’s these kinds of challenges that keep us coming back for more, eagerly anticipating the next brain-teasing crossword clue.
Next time you encounter a similar descriptive comparative, remember to slow down, analyze the grammatical structure, and consider the possibilities beyond the obvious. The satisfaction of nailing a challenging crossword clue like this one is truly one of the great joys of puzzle-solving. Keep those pens poised, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
FAIRER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 10 June 2025