Very strenuous (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: TAXING
Understanding "Very Strenuous" in Crossword Puzzles
- Very strenuous is a common crossword clue that leads to the answer TAXING (6 letters).
- When you encounter descriptors like "very strenuous" in crossword puzzles, solvers should think about words that convey physical or mental effort, difficulty, and demanding challenges that drain one's energy or resources.
Why TAXING Is the Perfect Answer
- The word taxing brilliantly captures the essence of something being very strenuous because it describes activities, situations, or tasks that require significant effort and drain your energy.
- This adjective works across multiple contexts—from physically taxing exercises like marathon running to mentally taxing challenges like complex problem-solving.
- The term originates from the concept of imposing a burden or levy (like a tax), which perfectly metaphorically represents how strenuous activities "levy" a toll on our physical or mental resources.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for intensity modifiers: Words like "very," "extremely," or "highly" before adjectives signal you need a stronger synonym than the base word alone.
- Consider both physical and mental contexts: "Strenuous" can apply to physical exertion or mental strain, so think broadly about what activities require significant effort.
- Check the letter count: The (6) notation tells you the answer must be exactly six letters, which helps eliminate longer synonyms like "exhausting" or shorter ones like "hard."
- Use crossing letters strategically: If you have even one or two letters from intersecting answers, test whether TAXING fits both logically and literally.
- Think about common crossword vocabulary: TAXING appears frequently in puzzles because it's a versatile word with a clear meaning and useful letter combination (featuring common letters like T, A, X, I, N, G).
Very strenuous (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other 6-letter answers for "very strenuous"?
A: While TAXING is the most common answer, alternatives like "TIRING" (6 letters) might work in some contexts, though TAXING better captures the "very" intensity modifier.
Q: What makes something taxing versus just difficult?
A: Taxing specifically implies that the activity drains your resources—whether energy, patience, or mental capacity—rather than just being challenging to complete.
Q: Can "taxing" refer to emotional strain?
A: Yes, absolutely. While often used for physical or mental exertion, taxing can describe emotionally draining situations, relationships, or experiences that impose significant psychological burden.
Q: How do I remember this answer for future puzzles?
A: Connect the word "taxing" to "taxes"—just as taxes take your money, taxing activities take your energy. This mental link makes the answer more memorable.
Q: What difficulty level are puzzles featuring this clue?
A: This type of clue typically appears in Monday through Wednesday puzzles (easier to medium difficulty) in major publications, as it's a straightforward synonym clue without wordplay or misdirection.
