Picking up the pace (10) - Crossword Clue
Answer: QUICKENING
The solution to the crossword clue "Picking up the pace (10)" is QUICKENING. This ten-letter word perfectly captures the concept of acceleration, whether in physical movement, progress, or intensity. The term describes the process of becoming faster or more rapid, making it an ideal match for this clue's requirement.
Understanding the Word QUICKENING
- QUICKENING originates from the verb "quicken," meaning to make or become faster. In everyday usage, quickening refers to any situation where speed or pace increases noticeably.
- You might describe a quickening heartbeat during exercise, a quickening of events as a deadline approaches, or a quickening stride when you're running late.
- The word carries particular significance in pregnancy terminology, where "quickening" describes the first fetal movements felt by an expectant mother, typically occurring between 16-25 weeks of gestation.
- This traditional usage adds depth to the word's meaning, connecting acceleration with the beginning of perceivable life.
Related Crossword Possibilities
- When encountering similar clues about acceleration or speed increase, consider these alternatives based on letter count:
- HASTENING (9 letters), SPEEDING (8 letters), RUSHING (7 letters), or RACING (6 letters).
- Understanding these variations helps develop pattern recognition skills essential for crossword success.
- Other clues that might lead to QUICKENING include "Acceleration process," "Getting faster," or "Tempo increase."
- The contextual meaning remains consistent—something transitioning from slower to faster states.
Tips for Solving Speed-Related Clues
- Consider the letter count first - With ten letters required, eliminate shorter synonyms like "hurry" or "rush" immediately.
- Look for crossing letters - Even one or two confirmed letters can dramatically narrow your options and confirm QUICKENING as the answer.
- Think about word endings - Many speed-related words end in "-ING," which accounts for three letters and suggests present participle forms.
- Examine the clue's tone - "Picking up the pace" uses casual, everyday language, indicating the answer will likely be a common English word rather than obscure terminology.
- Consider multiple meanings - Words with both literal and figurative meanings often appear in crosswords, making QUICKENING particularly attractive to puzzle constructors.
Picking up the pace (10) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What makes QUICKENING different from accelerating?
While both mean increasing speed, QUICKENING emphasizes the quality of liveliness and animation, whereas accelerating focuses purely on rate of change. QUICKENING often carries emotional or vital connotations.
Q: Can QUICKENING be used in business contexts?
Absolutely. Business professionals frequently describe a "quickening pace of innovation" or "quickening market changes," making it appropriate for corporate and economic discussions.
Q: Is QUICKENING commonly used in modern English?
QUICKENING appears regularly in formal writing and literature, though it's less common in casual conversation. Its crossword popularity stems from its perfect combination of accessibility and sophistication.
Q: What's the difference between QUICKENING and hastening?
HASTENING implies urgency or rushed action, while QUICKENING suggests a natural or gradual increase in speed. QUICKENING feels more organic, whereas hastening often indicates external pressure.
Q: How do I remember this answer for future puzzles?
Associate "QUICKENING" with its unique ten-letter count and the distinctive "-ENING" ending. Visual learners might picture a heartbeat monitor showing increasing pulse rates, connecting the concept with the word.
