Someone with a devoted following - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Someone with a devoted following," is a classic example of a straightforward, definitional clue often found in early-week crossword puzzles. It asks the solver to identify a specific term for a person based on a key characteristic of their followers. The answer is a common compound word that precisely fits the description.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be broken down into two parts:

• "Someone": This indicates we are looking for a noun describing a person or a role.
• "with a devoted following": This is the defining characteristic. The word "devoted" is crucial here. It implies a level of commitment and loyalty that goes beyond that of a typical fan or supporter. This intensity is a strong pointer towards the specific nature of the group and its head.

The answer is a two-word concept combined into a single entry, directly describing a person who leads such a group.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, a solver might use a few different strategies:

1. Direct Association: The phrase "devoted following" might immediately bring to mind certain types of groups. What do you call a group with intense, often unquestioning devotion? From there, you can ask, "And what do you call the person who leads that group?"

2. Synonym Ladder: Start with a more general term like "leader." What are different kinds of leaders? A political leader, a team leader, a spiritual leader. The adjective "devoted" pushes us away from the mundane and towards something more intense and ideological. This path leads directly to the answer.

3. Structural Analysis: If you have a few crossing letters, you might notice the answer is quite long. This could suggest a compound word. The clue structure supports this: "Someone" (the second part of the word) who has a "devoted following" (the first part of the word describes the group).

Background Context

The term described by this clue often carries negative connotations in modern society, though its origins are more neutral. The word for the group itself, derived from the Latin cultus meaning "care, cultivation, worship," originally referred to a system of religious veneration. Over time, especially in the 20th century, the term became associated with groups perceived as manipulative, unorthodox, or dangerous.

Understanding this cultural context helps solidify why "devoted following" is such a fitting descriptor. The term is widely used in media and popular culture to describe charismatic figures who exert significant influence over their followers. For more on the topic, you can read about the sociological definitions of a cult.

Conclusion

This clue is a solid, gettable entry that relies on the solver's vocabulary and ability to make direct connections. By focusing on the key descriptor "devoted," one can quickly narrow down the possibilities from a general "leader" to the very specific type required by the puzzle. It's a perfect example of how a single word can define the entire meaning of a clue.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This person commands intense loyalty from a group of people.
2. Hint 2: The group they lead is often seen as unconventional or outside the mainstream.
3. Hint 3: Think of a term for a group with zealous beliefs, and then the person who heads that group.
4. Hint 4: The answer is a compound word. The first part refers to the group, and the second part refers to the person in charge.