The journey through a daily crossword grid often brings us face-to-face with phrases that seem straightforward at first glance, yet harbor layers of potential interpretation. Among these, the seemingly simple “Regard as” stands out as a deceptively common, yet frequently challenging, crossword clue. It’s a classic example of how a familiar expression can transform into a delightful puzzle when presented as a cryptic indicator.
What makes this particular crossword clue so compelling? It’s not just the words themselves, but the subtle shades of meaning they evoke. “Regard” on its own can imply observation, attention, or even respect. However, the addition of “as” fundamentally shifts its meaning, turning it into an act of categorization, classification, or judgment. It’s no longer about merely looking at something, but about
considering
it to be something else,
viewing
it in a certain light, or
deeming
it to possess particular qualities. This nuance is precisely what constructors exploit to craft a truly satisfying crossword clue.
Solvers encountering “Regard as” in a crossword clue might initially find their minds wandering to synonyms for “look” or “observe.” But the crucial “as” forces a deeper dive into the semantic well. This tiny preposition acts as a powerful signpost, directing our thoughts towards verbs and verb phrases that signify an act of mental assignment or attribution. It nudges us away from literal perception and towards conceptual understanding. Think about how often we use this phrase in everyday language: “I regard him as a friend,” “She regarded it as an opportunity,” “They regarded the decision as final.” In each instance, “regard as” functions as a bridge between an entity and a descriptor, defining its perceived nature or role.
The beauty of this type of crossword clue lies in its versatility. Depending on the intended answer, it could lead you down paths of synonyms related to
thinking of
,
holding to be
,
considering
, or even
classifying
. The length of the answer boxes, combined with any intersecting letters, becomes vital context. Is the constructor looking for a single, potent verb? Or perhaps a two-word phrase that perfectly captures the essence of “Regard as“? This requires a flexible mental lexicon and an openness to various phrasings.
Tackling this kind of crossword clue successfully often comes down to a few key strategies. First, always break down the phrase. What does “regard” mean in this specific context, and how does “as” modify it? Second, generate a list of synonyms and related phrases that fit the “consider to be” or “view as” pattern. Don’t limit yourself to single words; many answers for such a common crossword clue are verb phrases themselves. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, trust the process. The right answer will often click into place once you’ve truly unpacked the full implications of “Regard as” and allowed its meaning to unfold within the constraints of the grid. It’s a rewarding moment when a seemingly simple crossword clue reveals its ingenious solution.
Available Answers:
DEEM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Lee Taylor / Ed. Patti Varol