Quick Answer
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Crossword clue: “Language from which we get ‘cosmos’ and ‘democracy’”
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Answer: GREEK – 5 letters
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Clue number and direction: 4 Down
The New York Times crossword clue “Language from which we get ‘cosmos’ and ‘democracy’” is answered with GREEK in 5 letters. In the grid, it appears as GREEK going down.
Why GREEK Is the Right NYT Answer
Both “cosmos” and “democracy” are well-known English words with Greek origins: “kosmos” meaning order or universe, and “dēmokratia” meaning rule of the people. The clue directly points to the source language of these terms, so GREEK is the only accurate answer.
Answer keys for the February 12, 2026 NYT Mini list GREEK as the 4-Down solution for this clue, and its letters align perfectly with the across entries LEVEE and DESK in the grid.
What GREEK Means
GREEK here refers to the Greek language, both ancient and modern, which has contributed many foundational terms to English in science, philosophy, and politics. Words like “cosmos,” “democracy,” “philosophy,” and “theatre” all trace back to Greek roots.
So the clue is simply asking: “Which language did these words come from?”—and the straightforward answer is GREEK.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
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When a clue references word origins, especially for terms in politics (“democracy”), philosophy (“philosophy,” “ethics”), or science (“cosmos,” “atom”), GREEK is often the intended entry.
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Contrast with LATIN: medical, legal, and many scientific terms skew Latin, but democracy/philosophy/cosmos are classic Greek-root examples.
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Use crossing letters: a pattern like G_EEK or _REEK with an etymology hint should quickly resolve to GREEK.
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Keep an eye out for repeated “language that gave us…” clue patterns—they frequently reuse GREEK, LATIN, and FRENCH.
How GREEK Fits the Grid
For 4-Down, the NYT Mini provides a 5-letter vertical slot, which matches GREEK exactly. Pattern-wise, you fill:
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GREEK(G‑R‑E‑E‑K)
Each letter is supported by crossings from Across entries like LEVEE and DESK, ensuring that every intersecting square forms a valid word. That full cross-check confirms GREEK as the correct solution.
Other Ways GREEK Might Be Clued
GREEK is a frequent answer in crosswords and may be clued as:
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“Language of Homer”
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“Language that gave us ‘democracy’ and ‘philosophy’”
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“Athens native’s language”
All these clue variants rely on the same idea: Greek as the source of many classical terms we still use today.
Complete February 12, 2026 NYT Mini Answers Today (Across & Down clues and answers)
Here are the key answers from the February 12, 2026 NYT Mini to help you complete the full grid.
Across
| Clue | Answer | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila cocktail that often comes in a salt-rimmed glass, casually | MARG | 4 |
| Signature export of Cuba | CIGAR | 5 |
| Bowl over | AMAZE | 5 |
| Flood regulator | LEVEE | 5 |
| Classroom station | DESK | 4 |
Down
| Clue | Answer | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| Acted without saying anything | MIMED | 5 |
| Desert plant used in tequila production | AGAVE | 5 |
| Demolishes | RAZES | 5 |
| Language from which we get “cosmos” and “democracy” | GREEK | 5 |
| Berkeley campus, for short | CAL | 3 |
