If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on a crossword puzzle and encountered the clue “benighted,” you’re not alone. The word often leaves solvers scratching their heads, unsure of its meaning or how it might fit into the grid. “Benighted” is one of those crossword clues that is deceptively tricky. While the word might seem familiar, its usage in puzzles tends to rely on its dual meanings, adding complexity and versatility to the clue. This article explores how the “benighted” crossword clue works, why it’s a staple in puzzles, and how solvers can approach it with confidence.
What Does “Benighted” Mean?
The word “benighted” has two primary meanings, and it is this versatility that makes it so useful in crossword puzzles. These meanings are distinct but often intersect in interesting ways, giving crossword setters the ability to craft clues that can lead to a range of answers.
1. Literal Meaning: Overcome by Darkness
The first, more literal meaning of “benighted” is related to darkness. It comes from the idea of being overtaken by night, as in a traveler caught in the dark without shelter. This sense of physical darkness is commonly seen in older texts, where it may describe someone who is literally in the dark or experiencing an absence of light. In the context of crossword puzzles, this meaning could lead to answers associated with night, evening, or even something more poetic, like “dusk” or “dark.”
For example, in simpler crosswords, the clue for “benighted” might point to terms like:
- “Night-bound”
- “In the dark”
These answers are straightforward, drawing on the literal sense of being in the dark or late in the evening.
2. Figurative Meaning: Uninformed or Ignorant
The second, more figurative sense of “benighted” refers to a lack of knowledge or awareness. It can describe someone who is uninformed, uneducated, or resistant to new ideas. This definition suggests a state of ignorance, not necessarily out of malice, but from a lack of exposure to information or a narrow viewpoint.
In this context, the word is used to describe someone who might be “in the dark” about something intellectual or conceptual, rather than physically so. For crossword clues, this sense of ignorance can lead to answers like:
- “Ignorant”
- “Unaware”
- “Outdated”
In this sense, “benighted” is often used to gently poke fun at someone who is out of touch, but not always in a harsh or critical way. The clue might describe an old-fashioned viewpoint or someone who hasn’t kept up with recent developments.
Why Do Crossword Setters Use “Benighted”?
The dual meanings of “benighted” make it a versatile and valuable word for crossword setters. Here are a few reasons why it appears so frequently in puzzles:
- Flexibility: Because “benighted” can refer to both literal and figurative meanings, it gives setters the freedom to craft clues that can lead to a range of answers. The same clue can point to something related to night or to something relating to ignorance, depending on the puzzle’s difficulty and style.
- Variety in Difficulty Levels: The word works in puzzles of all difficulty levels. In easier puzzles, the clue might be more straightforward, pointing to something like “night” or “dusk.” In harder puzzles, setters can use the word in a more creative or abstract sense, requiring solvers to think about the figurative meaning of the word.
- Cultural and Linguistic Relevance: “Benighted” is a word that is somewhat old-fashioned, but still in use today. It’s a term that feels both classic and modern at the same time, which helps it bridge the gap between contemporary and traditional crossword styles.
Common Approaches to Solving “Benighted” Clues
When encountering the “benighted” clue in a crossword, the best approach depends on the puzzle’s difficulty, grid length, and context. There are a few common methods and strategies that solvers use to crack the clue.
Look for Clue Length
One of the first things to check is the length of the answer. Depending on the number of letters, the solver can narrow down the possible meanings. For example, if the answer is four letters, solvers might lean toward answers related to the night, like “dusk” or “even.” If the clue is longer, such as six or more letters, the figurative sense of ignorance or lack of awareness might be more appropriate, with answers like “unaware” or “ignorant.”
Consider the Puzzle Theme
Some puzzles have a theme, and the answer to a “benighted” clue might relate to the theme. For example, if the puzzle’s theme is related to time or history, “benighted” might refer to a period of darkness or a lack of understanding of a particular era. On the other hand, if the theme revolves around people or attitudes, “benighted” might point to an outdated mindset or ignorance.
Crossing Clues Are Key
Like with all crossword puzzles, crossing clues provide helpful hints. If you already have a few letters filled in, they can give you a better sense of which direction to take. If a crossing clue hints at something related to darkness, you may want to stick with the literal interpretation of “benighted.” Conversely, if the crossing clues suggest ideas related to knowledge, education, or viewpoints, the figurative sense of the word might be more appropriate.
Variations of “Benighted” Clue
Different puzzle types might offer variations on how the “benighted” clue is phrased. Some clues may lean more heavily on one meaning, while others may play on the word’s flexibility.
1. “Benighted” as a Direct Definition
In more straightforward puzzles, the clue for “benighted” might simply define the word and lead to an answer like “night” or “dark.”
Examples:
- “Overcome by darkness” (Answer: “night”)
- “In the dark” (Answer: “dusk”)
2. “Benighted” in Thematic Puzzles
In more complex or themed puzzles, the clue might be more indirect. Here, setters can use “benighted” as part of a broader wordplay or construction. The answer could be part of a themed set of words related to light, darkness, or knowledge.
Example:
- “Figuratively left in the dark” (Answer: “ignorant”)
3. Playful Use of “Benighted”
In some puzzles, particularly those that aim for humor or clever wordplay, the clue for “benighted” may be phrased in a playful or ironic way. The answer could relate to someone being unaware or out of touch with modern trends, offering a bit of wit along with the solution.
Example:
- “Outdated in thinking” (Answer: “old-fashioned”)
Conclusion
The “benighted” crossword clue is a perfect example of the type of word that crossword setters adore: one that has multiple meanings and can be used in a variety of ways. Whether it’s referring to physical darkness or figurative ignorance, “benighted” provides ample opportunity for creative clue construction. Understanding the word’s dual meanings and learning to approach it with an open mind will help any solver tackle this tricky but common clue. By paying attention to clue length, theme, and crossing clues, solvers can quickly make sense of even the most elusive crossword puzzles.
