Great volumes - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Great volumes," is a classic example of a straightforward vocabulary test. It's the kind of clue that feels satisfying to solve quickly, relying on direct knowledge rather than tricky wordplay. Let's break down why this clue points directly to its answer.

Clue Analysis

The clue consists of two key words: "Great" and "volumes."

• Volumes: In a literary context, this is a common synonym for books.
• Great: This adjective can mean several things, but here it's used in the sense of 'large in size or scale.' It's not a comment on the quality of the books, but rather their physical presence.

Putting them together, the clue is asking for a word that means "large books." This is a direct, definitional clue.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, a solver's mind should immediately jump to synonyms. Here's a typical thought process:

1. Direct Association: The phrase "great volumes" or "large books" might instantly trigger the answer if it's part of your active vocabulary. What's a word for a big, heavy, scholarly book?
2. Mental Imagery: Picture a grand, old library, perhaps at a university or in a fantasy novel. What are the books on the shelves called? They are often referred to by a specific term that emphasizes their size and importance.
3. Consider the Plural: The word "volumes" is plural, which is a strong indicator that the answer will also be a plural noun, likely ending in 'S'.
4. Use Crossings: Since this is an easy clue, it's often used to help solvers get a foothold in a section of the puzzle. If you're even slightly unsure, getting one or two crossing letters will almost certainly confirm the answer.

Background Context

The answer word has an interesting history. It comes from the Latin tomus, which itself derives from the Greek tomos, meaning 'a section' or 'a piece cut off.' Originally, it referred to a single scroll or a single volume of a multi-volume work. Over time, the meaning has shifted to specifically connote a book of considerable size and weight, often one that is scholarly or serious in nature. You might hear someone refer to a dense legal textbook or a massive fantasy novel as a "tome."

Conclusion

"Great volumes" is a perfect example of a clean, direct clue that rewards a solid vocabulary. It's a crossword staple that reminds us that not every clue has to be a complex pun or a piece of obscure trivia. Sometimes, the puzzle simply asks, "Do you know this word?" and provides a clear path to the answer.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This clue refers to items you might find in a library or a study.
2. Hint 2: The word 'great' in this context means large or substantial, not excellent.
3. Hint 3: The answer is a plural noun for large, heavy, often scholarly books.
4. Hint 4: It rhymes with 'homes'.