Welcome back, fellow word sleuths, to another dive into the fascinating world of letters and logic! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of settling down with a fresh crossword puzzle, the promise of intellectual engagement stretching before you. And then… that one clue. The one that stares back, seemingly simple, yet stubbornly refuses to yield its secret.
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on just such a
crossword clue
– one that might have you scratching your head, pacing the room, or perhaps, for a moment, even feeling a touch of the very emotion it describes! We’re talking about the clue:
“Scorn, contempt (7)“
.
At first glance, it seems straightforward enough. We’re looking for a seven-letter word that means both “scorn” and “contempt.” But herein lies the beautiful, maddening challenge of crosswords. While you might immediately think of several words that fit one or both, pinpointing the
exact
one, with the precise letter count, that perfectly bridges both concepts, is the art form.
Let’s unpack this particular
crossword clue
. “Scorn” implies a feeling of intense dislike or disdain for someone or something considered unworthy. It often suggests a more active, perhaps even openly expressed, feeling. “Contempt,” on the other hand, implies a feeling that someone or something is worthless or beneath consideration. While similar, “contempt” can sometimes carry a more passive, deeply held sense of disregard. The solution to this
crossword clue
needs to encapsulate both nuances effectively.
When faced with a
crossword clue
like “Scorn, contempt (7),” your brain immediately goes into synonym mode. You might be listing off possibilities: “disdain,” “derision,” “hatred,” “revulsion,” “disgust.” But then you hit the seven-letter constraint. That immediately filters out a good portion of your initial mental list. This is where the detective work truly begins for any challenging
crossword clue
.
The magic of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its ability to lead you down several plausible paths before guiding you to the singular correct destination. For “Scorn, contempt (7),” you’re not just looking for a word that means
either
scorn
or
contempt, but one that truly embodies the essence of
both
. It’s a word that captures that powerful feeling of looking down on someone or something, deeming them unworthy of respect or attention.
Think about the context in which “scorn” and “contempt” are used. They’re strong words, evoking a significant emotional response. The seven-letter answer to this
crossword clue
will likely carry that same weight and intensity. It won’t be a mild dislike, but a profound and often dismissive feeling.
To conquer any tough
crossword clue
, especially a synonym-based one, consider these tactics:
1.
Break it Down:
Examine each word in the clue (“scorn” and “contempt”) individually. What are their closest synonyms?
2.
Overlap:
Look for words that appear on
both
lists of synonyms, or words that effectively combine the essence of both.
3.
Letter Count is Key:
Constantly refer back to the (7) letters. This is your most powerful filter. If you have any intersecting letters from other solved clues, that’s an even bigger advantage for this particular
crossword clue
.
4.
Nuance:
Does the potential answer truly capture the
depth
and
intensity
implied by “scorn” and “contempt,” or is it too mild, or too specific to just one of the terms?
This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how seemingly simple definitions can hide a delightful linguistic puzzle. It encourages you to think beyond the obvious and delve into the precise emotional and etymological connections between words.
So, for those of you still pondering “Scorn, contempt (7),” keep at it! The “aha!” moment when the right word finally clicks into place is one of the most satisfying aspects of tackling a well-designed
crossword clue
. It’s a testament to the richness of our language and the joy of mental gymnastics.
What are your go-to strategies for unraveling synonym-based
crossword clues
? Let us know in the comments below!
Available Answers:
DISDAIN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 17 June 2025