Approves - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

The clue "Approves" is a classic example of a straightforward, definition-based clue often found in crossword puzzles. It's a single word asking for a synonym, and its simplicity is a good entry point for solvers. The key is to match the tense and find a word that fits the required letter count.

Clue Analysis

The clue is the verb "Approves," which is in the third-person singular present tense. This is a strong hint that the answer will also be a verb in the same tense, likely ending in an 'S'. The meaning is clear: to sanction, permit, or give a positive judgment on something. We are looking for a common, and likely short, synonym.

Thinking Approaches

A solver might approach this clue in a few ways:

1. Synonym Brainstorming: The first step is to think of words that mean "Approves." This could include sanctions, permits, allows, endorses, or consents. However, you must always keep the answer length in mind. For a short, three-letter answer, these common synonyms won't fit.

2. Consider Brevity and Informality: When standard synonyms are too long, it's time to think about more concise or informal language. How do people casually say they approve something? You might hear, "The boss gave the plan the OK." This leads you to the term "OK."

3. Match the Tense: The clue is "Approves." To make the verb "OK" match this tense, you simply add an 'S', resulting in "OKS." This fits the clue's grammar perfectly.

4. Use Crossings: For any three-letter answer, getting even one or two crossing letters can make the solution immediately obvious. If you had ?-K-S, "OKS" would be the most logical fit.

Background Context

The word "OK" has a fascinating and famously American origin. While its exact etymology is debated, the most widely accepted theory traces it to an 1830s fad in Boston for jocular abbreviations of misspelled phrases. "OK" is believed to have started as an abbreviation for "oll korrect," a playful version of "all correct."

Since then, it has become one of the most recognized words in the world. Its use as a verb ("to OK something") is very common, especially in newspaper headlines and business memos where space is at a premium (e.g., "CEO OKS New Budget"). This usage makes it prime material for crossword puzzles.

Conclusion

"Approves" is a direct and fair clue for the answer OKS. The solution requires the solver to move from formal synonyms to a more common, abbreviated term and to correctly match the verb tense. It's a great reminder that in crosswords, the simplest and most colloquial terms are often the right ones.

Hints

1. Hint 1: To give the green light to something.
2. Hint 2: A casual way of giving assent or permission.
3. Hint 3: This word is often used in headlines for brevity.
4. Hint 4: It's the verb form of a two-letter term for 'all right'.