Gatherer of information say (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: GLEANER
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Gatherer of Information Say
- The answer to "Gatherer of information say (7)" is GLEANER. This crossword clue uses wordplay where "say" indicates a homophone—GLEANER sounds like "glean-er," someone who gathers or collects information piece by piece.
- In crossword puzzles, the phrase "say" often signals that you're looking for a word that sounds like the definition provided.
- A gleaner traditionally refers to someone who collects leftover crops from fields after harvest, but in modern usage, it describes anyone who carefully gathers information, facts, or knowledge from various sources.
- The term perfectly captures the methodical process of collecting scattered pieces of information to form a complete understanding.
Why GLEANER Fits This Clue
- The word GLEANER works on multiple levels for this crossword clue. First, it contains exactly seven letters, matching the number specified in parentheses.
- Second, the definition "gatherer of information" directly describes what a gleaner does—they systematically collect and compile data, details, or intelligence from different sources.
- The inclusion of "say" in the clue is particularly clever, as it suggests the pronunciation aspect. When solving cryptic crosswords, recognizing indicator words like "say," "reportedly," or "we hear" helps identify homophones or sound-alike answers that might not be immediately obvious from the definition alone.
Tips for Solving Similar Crossword Clues
- Recognize homophone indicators: Words like "say," "reportedly," "heard," or "we hear" signal that pronunciation matters in the solution.
- Count your letters first: Always verify that your answer matches the number in parentheses before committing to it.
- Think metaphorically: Consider both literal and figurative meanings of words like "gatherer" or "collector."
- Look for double meanings: Crossword clues often use words that work on multiple levels—agricultural and informational in this case.
- Consider word origins: Understanding that "glean" comes from gathering crops helps connect it to information gathering.
Gatherer of information say (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What does "say" mean in crossword clues?
"Say" typically indicates a homophone—you're looking for a word that sounds like the definition. It tells solvers to think about pronunciation rather than just meaning.
Q: Are there other seven-letter words for information gatherers?
Yes, alternatives include COMPILER, COLLATOR, or RESEARCHER, but GLEANER is the most common crossword answer for this specific clue structure.
Q: Is GLEANER used in modern English?
Absolutely. While rooted in agricultural history, GLEANER is frequently used in journalism, research, and intelligence contexts to describe systematic information collection.
Q: How common is this clue in crosswords?
This type of clue appears regularly in both cryptic and standard crosswords, as GLEANER is a versatile word that fits many puzzle themes.
Q: What's the difference between gleaning and gathering?
Gleaning implies careful, selective collection of what others might overlook, while gathering is more general. Gleaning suggests thoroughness and attention to detail.
