Prefix with lingual or lateral - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Prefix with lingual or lateral," is a classic example of a word-part clue. These are common in crosswords and test your knowledge of how words are constructed. Instead of looking for a synonym, you're looking for a building block of a larger word. Let's break it down.

Clue Analysis

The clue asks for a prefix that can be attached to the beginning of two different words: lingual and lateral.

• Lingual: This root word relates to language or the tongue.
• Lateral: This root word relates to sides.

The task is to find a single prefix that can plausibly precede both of these words to form two new, valid words.

Thinking Approaches

1. Word Association: This is the most direct path. Start with one of the root words and brainstorm words that use it.

   • For lingual, you might think of bilingual (two languages) or monolingual (one language). This pattern suggests that numerical prefixes are a good bet. What about three languages? That would be trilingual.
   • Now, test that prefix with the other word. Does trilateral make sense? Yes, a trilateral agreement involves three sides or parties. A triangle is a trilateral shape.

2. Pattern Recognition: The clue gives you two examples to work with. This is a gift! By finding a prefix that works for both, you can be very confident in your answer. If you thought of bilingual, you would test bilateral. Both are valid words. If you thought of unilateral, you might test unilingual (less common than monolingual, but exists). The prefix that works for both and is extremely common is the one you're looking for.

3. Check the Crossings: For a short, three-letter answer like this one, even one crossing letter can confirm your hunch almost instantly. If you have the 'T' or the 'I', the answer becomes very clear.

Background Context

The prefix tri- is derived from both Greek (treis) and Latin (tres), both meaning "three." It's one of the most common numerical prefixes in the English language, appearing in a wide range of words:

• Triangle: A shape with three angles.
• Tricycle: A vehicle with three wheels.
• Trilogy: A series of three books or films.
• Trio: A group of three people.

Understanding common numerical prefixes (like uni-, bi-, quad-, penta-, etc.) is a superpower for any crossword solver.

Conclusion

This clue was a straightforward vocabulary test focused on word construction. By thinking of words that contain "lingual" and "lateral," the solver can quickly identify the common numerical prefix that joins them. The answer, TRI, is a fundamental piece of English word-building and a crossword staple.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This prefix is often used in mathematics and geometry.
2. Hint 2: It signifies the number that comes after two.
3. Hint 3: Think of a three-wheeled vehicle or a three-sided shape.
4. Hint 4: The prefix forms the words for speaking three languages or having three sides.