Whiten (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: BLANCH
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Whiten (6)
- Whiten is a common crossword indicator asking for a 6-letter word meaning to make something white or pale.
- The answer BLANCH perfectly fits this definition, referring to the process of whitening or causing something to become pale, whether through cooking techniques, sudden fear, or natural lightening processes.
Related Crossword Clues and Variations
- Crossword setters often present BLANCH through various phrasings. You might encounter "Turn pale (6)," "Cooking technique (6)," "Lose color from fear (6)," or "Prepare vegetables briefly (6)."
- Other whitening-related answers in crossword puzzles include BLEACH (6 letters), PALE (4 letters), and WHITEN itself when space allows.
- Understanding these variations helps solvers recognize patterns and improve their puzzle-solving speed.
Tips for Solving "Whiten" Crossword Clues
- Check the letter count first - The number in parentheses immediately narrows your options. For 6-letter whitening words, BLANCH is your primary candidate.
- Consider the context - Culinary-themed puzzles often use BLANCH, while medical or emotional themes might clue it through the "turn pale" definition.
- Look at crossing letters - The distinctive letters B, L, and CH make BLANCH easy to confirm once you have a few intersecting answers.
- Remember common patterns - Words ending in -CH are frequently used in crosswords, making this ending a useful recognition point.
- Think multiple meanings - The best crossword answers work on several levels, so consider both literal and figurative interpretations.
Whiten (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other 6-letter answers for "Whiten"?
A: BLANCH is by far the most common 6-letter answer. BLEACH is another possibility, though it typically appears with different clueing like "laundry whitener."
Q: How do I know if it's BLANCH or BLEACH?
A: Check your crossing letters. BLANCH has an N in the fourth position, while BLEACH has an A. Also consider the clue's context—culinary references suggest BLANCH.
Q: What's the origin of the word BLANCH?
A: BLANCH comes from the Old French "blanchir," meaning "to make white," derived from "blanc" (white). This etymology connects directly to the clue.
Q: Do American and British crosswords clue this differently?
A: Both use similar clues, though British cryptic crosswords might incorporate wordplay. The straightforward definition remains consistent across English-speaking puzzle traditions.
Q: How often does BLANCH appear in crosswords?
A: It's a moderately common answer, appearing several times yearly in major publications due to its useful letter pattern and clear definition.
