Ever get stumped by a crossword clue using "contemporary"? It's a common frustration! "Contemporary" is deceptively ambiguous, shifting between meanings related to time and style. This guide provides the strategies you need to conquer these tricky clues and boost your crossword-solving speed. For more crossword clue help, check out this helpful resource.
Understanding the Dual Nature of "Contemporary"
The word "contemporary" acts like a linguistic chameleon. It can mean either:
- Temporal: Referring to something currently happening or recently past (e.g., "contemporary music" might mean this year's chart-toppers).
- Stylistic: Describing something modern or stylish regardless of its exact origin (e.g., "contemporary art" might refer to a specific movement or aesthetic).
This dual nature is why "contemporary" clues are so challenging. The crossword constructor might be testing knowledge of either, or even cleverly blending both meanings.
Strategic Approaches to Solving
Mastering "contemporary" clues requires a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step strategy:
Step 1: Deconstruct the Clue (Analyze the Context): Before searching for synonyms, meticulously analyze the entire clue. What's the main topic? Are there any supporting words or phrases that hint at a time period or stylistic trend? This initial analysis will often direct you toward the intended meaning of "contemporary."
Step 2: Brainstorm Synonyms (Expand Your Options): Generate a wide array of potential synonyms, keeping both temporal and stylistic definitions in mind.
- Temporal Synonyms: modern, current, recent, present-day, up-to-date
- Stylistic Synonyms: stylish, trendy, fashionable, avant-garde, modernistic
This expanded word list substantially increases your chances of finding the correct answer.
Step 3: Leverage Intersections (Use Cross-References): Don't underestimate the power of intersecting words! The letters already revealed in intersecting answers significantly narrow down your options. This is a critical step in the solving process.
Step 4: Employ Elimination (Refine Your Choices): Systematically eliminate synonyms that don't fit the letters from intersecting answers, the puzzle's theme, or the overall context of the clue. This is where logical deduction is crucial. For example, if the subject is 20th-century architecture a "recent" answer is inappropriate.
Step 5: Consider Wordplay (Advanced Tactics): Experienced constructors often incorporate wordplay. The clue itself might contain a pun or double meaning that is not immediately obvious. Consider whether the clue subtly hints at wordplay. This adds a layer of creative problem-solving.
Word Length: A Critical Factor
The length of the answer you're seeking significantly impacts the likelihood of a temporal versus stylistic interpretation. Shorter answers often align better with more concise, time-sensitive words. Longer answers generally suggest a stylistic interpretation that requires more specific descriptors.
Mastering the Art: Practice and Patience
Becoming adept at solving "contemporary" clues is a skill developed through consistent practice. The more puzzles you solve, the better you'll become at recognizing patterns, interpreting clues, and utilizing all the hints available. Don't get discouraged by tough clues; celebrate each successful solution as a step toward mastery! And remember, the satisfying "aha!" moment is the reward for your dedication and strategic thinking.