One "traveling for business" (8) - Crossword Clue
Answer: COMMUTER
Understanding the clue
- A commuter is someone who regularly travels between their home and workplace, typically making the same journey daily or several times per week.
- The term specifically refers to those traveling for business purposes, whether by car, train, bus, or other forms of transportation.
- Commuters are distinct from leisure travelers as their trips are work-related and follow consistent patterns, often during peak hours known as "rush hour."
- The word "commuter" derives from "commute," which originally meant to exchange or substitute.
- In the 19th century, it came to describe the exchange of daily travel for work, particularly when railways offered "commutation tickets" - discounted passes for regular travelers.
Related Crossword Terms
- TRAVELER - More general term for anyone making a journey
- EMPLOYEE - Works for a company but doesn't specify travel
- PASSENGER - Someone being transported but not necessarily for business
- WORKER - Too short at 6 letters and lacks the travel element
Tips for Solving "Traveling" Clues
- Look for context clues that specify the purpose of travel - words like "business," "work," or "daily" often point toward COMMUTER rather than tourist-related answers.
- Count the letters carefully using the numbered spaces in your crossword grid, as this immediately eliminates possibilities that don't match the required length.
- Consider the tense and form - "traveling" (present participle) suggests ongoing or habitual action, which fits the regular nature of commuting perfectly.
- Check crossing words to verify your answer - if you have even one or two letters from intersecting clues, they can confirm or eliminate COMMUTER as the solution.
- Think about synonyms hierarchically - start with the most specific terms (like COMMUTER for business travel) before considering broader terms (like TRAVELER).
One "traveling for business" (8) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Is a commuter always traveling for business?
A: Yes, by definition, commuters travel regularly between home and their place of work. Students traveling to school might be called "student commuters," but in standard usage and crossword contexts, COMMUTER specifically refers to business/work travel.
Q: How is COMMUTER different from TRAVELER in crossword puzzles?
A: COMMUTER is more specific - it indicates regular, work-related journeys on established routes. TRAVELER is broader and could mean anyone going anywhere for any reason, including tourists, adventurers, or nomads.
Q: What other 8-letter words mean traveling for business?
A: COMMUTER is the most common answer for this specific clue structure. Alternatives might include SALESMAN (business traveler) or EMPLOYEE (though this doesn't emphasize travel), but these don't fit the clue as precisely.
Q: Can COMMUTER appear in different crossword clue formats?
A: Absolutely! You might see variations like "Daily traveler," "Rush hour participant," "One going to work," "Subway rider, often," or "Bridge toll payer, perhaps" - all potentially answered by COMMUTER.
Q: Why is commuting considered business travel?
A: Commuting qualifies as business travel because the journey's purpose is work-related, even though it's local rather than long-distance. The regular, obligatory nature of commuting ties it directly to professional life rather than personal choice or leisure.
