Looking glass (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: MIRROR (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Looking glass" with 6 letters is "MIRROR".Mirror is a reflective surface, typically made of glass, that reflects light and images, allowing one to see themselves or surroundings. It is commonly used for personal grooming, decoration, or as a tool in scientific applications, serving as a simple yet essential part of daily life.
Why “Mirror” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (6 letters) meaning “looking glass.” The answer, MIRROR, fits perfectly:
- Looking glass: Mirror is the modern and most common term for a glass surface coated with a reflective material, used for viewing one’s reflection — exactly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With six letters, mirror fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The word defines an object that reflects light and images, enabling people to see themselves or their surroundings clearly, making it a direct equivalent to the antiquated phrase “looking glass.”
Mirror is one of the oldest and most universal objects in human culture, symbolizing reflection, truth, and self-awareness:
Origin and usage:
- The term mirror comes from the Latin mirari, meaning “to wonder at” or “admire.”
- The word entered Middle English via Old French mirour, signifying both an object of reflection and admiration.
- “Looking glass” was the historical term used before mirror became standard in modern English vernacular.
Historical development:
- Early mirrors were made from polished metal, such as bronze or copper, thousands of years ago.
- The invention of glass-backed mirrors in 1st-century Rome, and later the mercury-glass technique in 16th-century Venice, revolutionized their clarity and use.
Cultural significance:
- Mirrors have long symbolized self-examination, truth, and even vanity in art, mythology, and literature.
- “Looking-glass world” became a metaphor for alternate reality, famously used by Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking-Glass.
Examples:
- “She looked into the mirror before leaving for work.”
- “The antique mirror had a beautifully carved frame.”
- “He saw his reflection clearly in the mirror’s bright surface.”
In quick crosswords like “Looking glass (6),” simple synonyms drawn from common speech often provide the answer:
Definition: “Looking glass” is a direct definition clue, referring to a tool used for seeing reflections.
Clue type: Straightforward vocabulary clue — literal and clear.
Solving approach:
- Recognize that phrases like “looking glass” are archaic equivalents of modern words.
- Among possible answers (mirror, lens, pane), only mirror fits both the meaning and the six-letter pattern.
Crossword pattern: Words that have both literal and metaphorical uses — like mirror — are typical in quick crosswords due to their familiarity and cultural depth.
