Not harmed at all (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: UNSCATHED
Understanding UNSCATHED in Crossword Context
- The word UNSCATHED perfectly fits crossword puzzles requiring a 9-letter solution for clues about emerging unharmed.
- The term combines the prefix "un-" (meaning not) with "scathed" (an archaic word for harmed or injured), creating a descriptive word that emphasizes complete absence of damage.
- Crossword constructors favor this answer because it offers excellent letter combinations, including the relatively uncommon "TH" pairing and the versatile vowel-consonant pattern that intersects well with other entries.
Common Usage and Related Terms
- UNSCATHED appears regularly in both formal and informal contexts.
- You'll encounter it in news headlines ("Passengers emerge unscathed from plane incident"), insurance reports, military briefings, and everyday conversation.
- Related crossword-friendly terms include UNHURT (6 letters), INTACT (6 letters), UNHARMED (8 letters), and SAFE (4 letters).
- The word carries slightly different connotations than these alternatives—while UNHURT focuses on physical injury and INTACT emphasizes structural completeness, UNSCATHED encompasses both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for prefix patterns: Many "not" clues use UN- prefixes (UNSCATHED, UNHARMED, UNTOUCHED). Count your available letters first to narrow options.
- Consider the letter count: At 9 letters, UNSCATHED is longer than most alternatives, making it distinctive when the puzzle grid demands this specific length.
- Check crossing letters: The "SC" combination in the middle and "TH" near the end provide excellent confirmation points when solving intersecting clues.
- Think about intensity: Phrases like "at all," "completely," or "totally" in clues suggest absolute terms like UNSCATHED rather than partial descriptions.
- Remember archaic roots: Understanding that "scathed" is an old English word for "harmed" helps you recognize this construction pattern in other crossword answers.
Not harmed at all (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there any shorter alternatives to UNSCATHED for crossword puzzles?
A: Yes, depending on letter count. UNHURT (6), UNHARMED (8), and INTACT (6) work for different grid sizes, though they have slightly different meanings.
Q: Is UNSCATHED commonly used in modern English?
A: Absolutely. Despite its archaic-sounding root, UNSCATHED remains a standard term in contemporary journalism, especially in reporting accidents, conflicts, or disasters.
Q: Can UNSCATHED refer to emotional or psychological harm?
A: Yes. While often used for physical safety, UNSCATHED can describe someone who emerged from a traumatic situation without emotional or psychological damage as well.
Q: What's the difference between UNSCATHED and UNHARMED?
A: The words are nearly synonymous, but UNSCATHED often implies survival through something potentially dangerous, while UNHARMED is more general. UNSCATHED has a slightly more dramatic connotation.
Q: Why do crossword constructors like UNSCATHED?
A: The 9-letter length, common vowel-consonant pattern, and the useful "TH" and "SC" letter combinations make it valuable for creating interesting grid intersections.
