The English language, in all its sprawling, magnificent glory, delights in offering us phrases that make us pause, ponder, and truly appreciate the art of communication. One such phrase, a veritable linguistic labyrinth that often pops up to challenge even the most seasoned word enthusiasts and
crossword clue
solvers, is “Not infrequently.”
It’s a phrase that immediately catches the eye, isn’t it? A double negative, yes, but its meaning extends beyond a mere mathematical cancellation. To say something happens “not infrequently” is to imply a regularity that is perhaps more significant, more notable, than simply stating “frequently” or “often.” There’s a subtle emphasis, a deliberate choice of words that suggests a certain level of observation or perhaps a slight understatement. It’s less direct, more nuanced, and certainly more formal than its simpler counterparts.
Consider the rhythm and tone. “Not infrequently” carries a gravitas, a certain weight. It might appear in academic writing, legal documents, or sophisticated literary prose, where precision and a touch of formality are paramount. If someone were to say, “The director, not infrequently, visited the set unannounced,” it conjures a slightly different image than “The director often visited the set unannounced.” The former hints at a pattern, perhaps a well-established habit that deserves a moment’s reflection, rather than just a common occurrence. It implies a frequency that is noteworthy, perhaps even surprising, to the speaker or listener.
This kind of linguistic subtlety is precisely what makes “Not infrequently” such a fascinating subject for a
crossword clue
. A skilled
crossword clue
setter knows that direct synonyms are only one tool in their arsenal. They delight in exploring the shades of meaning, the implied contexts, and the unique cadences of phrases like this. When you encounter a
crossword clue
that hints at this particular idiom, your mind must delve deeper than surface-level definitions. You’re not just looking for a word; you’re deciphering a concept, an frequency described with a particular stylistic flourish.
The challenge of such a
crossword clue
lies in its multi-word nature and its slightly indirect way of expressing a common idea.
Crossword puzzle
solvers are constantly honing their ability to recognize these linguistic detours. They learn to consider not just what a word or phrase
means
, but how it
feels
, what
tone
it sets, and in what
contexts
it typically appears. For a
crossword clue
setter, “Not infrequently” offers a rich playground for wordplay, often leading to answers that require a comprehensive understanding of English vocabulary and idiom.
Unpacking phrases like “Not infrequently” is a vital part of mastering the art of
crossword puzzle
solving. It forces us to think beyond the obvious, to appreciate the specific choices authors and speakers make, and to recognize that even a seemingly straightforward concept like frequency can be expressed in myriad, wonderfully complex ways. Each time such a phrase presents itself as a
crossword clue
, it’s an invitation to deepen our understanding of language itself – a journey that is, well, not infrequently, incredibly rewarding. The layers of meaning, the slight formality, the emphatic double negative – all contribute to its distinctive place in the lexicon, making it a truly engaging piece of linguistic architecture.
Available Answers:
OFTEN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Matthew Stock & Mark Valdez / Ed. Patti Varol