Farewell to the romans (4) - Crossword Clue
Answer: VALE
Vale is a Latin farewell meaning "goodbye" or "be well" that the ancient Romans used when parting ways. This four-letter word appears frequently in crossword puzzles as a classical reference to Roman departures and farewells.
Understanding the Roman Farewell
- The word "vale" (pronounced VAH-lay) comes directly from Latin, where it served as the standard way Romans said goodbye to one another.
- Unlike our casual modern farewells, vale carried a deeper meaning - it literally translates to "be strong" or "be well," expressing genuine concern for the other person's wellbeing during their journey or absence.
- In Roman culture, farewells held significant weight. When Romans parted, they would use vale for a single person or valete when addressing multiple people.
- This wasn't just polite formality - it was a heartfelt wish for health and safety in times when travel was dangerous and communication difficult.
Why VALE Works in Crosswords
- Exactly four letters with common vowels (A and E)
- Rich in cultural and historical meaning
- Versatile for crossing with other words
- Recognizable to solvers familiar with classical references
Tips for Solving Roman-Themed Clues
- Learn common Latin words: Familiarize yourself with frequently used Latin terms in crosswords - vale, amo (I love), ave (hail), lex (law), and rex (king) appear regularly.
- Number awareness helps: Roman numerals (I, V, X, L, C, D, M) frequently appear in puzzles and can help with pattern recognition.
- Think classical literature: References to Roman poets like Ovid, Virgil, and Horace often hide Latin vocabulary clues.
- Context from crosses: If you're unsure, fill in crossing words first - the V and E in "vale" are common letters that often confirm the answer.
- Consider formal language: Roman-themed clues usually want classical or formal terms rather than casual modern slang.
Farewell to the romans (4) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Is vale still used today?
Yes, though rarely in everyday conversation. Vale appears in formal writing, poetry, memorial services, and academic discussions of Roman culture. Some Romance languages retained similar farewell expressions derived from this root.
Q: What's the difference between vale and ave?
Ave means "hail" or "hello" - it's a greeting. Vale means "farewell" or "goodbye" - it's a parting word. Think of ave as the beginning and vale as the ending of a Roman conversation.
Q: How do you pronounce vale?
In Latin, it's pronounced "VAH-lay" with two syllables. Some English speakers say "vail" (rhyming with "pail"), but the classical pronunciation emphasizes both syllables.
Q: Could this clue have other answers?
For a four-letter farewell from Romans, vale is the standard answer. "Ciao" derives from Italian (not classical Latin), and other Latin farewells like "avete" don't fit the letter count.
Q: Why do crosswords use so many Latin words?
Latin provides short words with useful letter combinations. Classical education was once standard, making Latin vocabulary familiar to many solvers. Plus, ancient terms add cultural depth and variety to puzzles.
