Prefix with point - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Prefix with point," is a classic example of a word-building clue often found in early-week crosswords. These clues are straightforward tests of vocabulary and your understanding of how words are constructed from smaller parts like prefixes and suffixes.

Clue Analysis

The clue asks for a prefix that can be attached to the word point. A prefix is a group of letters placed at the beginning of a word to modify its meaning. The solver's task is to think of a common word that starts with a prefix and ends with "point." The most immediate and common word that fits this pattern is "midpoint."

Therefore, the answer to the clue is not the full word, but just the prefix part: MID.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, there are a few common solving strategies:

1. Direct Association: The phrase "midpoint" is very common, especially in contexts like geometry or describing a journey. Many solvers will instantly make this connection and extract the prefix.
2. Brainstorming: If the answer isn't immediate, you can try brainstorming common prefixes and mentally attaching them to "point." For example:
   • unpoint? No.
   • repoint? Yes, but "repoint" means to repair mortar, and "re-" is a common prefix. This is a possibility.
   • disappoint? Yes, but the clue is just "point," not "appoint."
   • midpoint? Yes, this is a perfect fit and a very common term.
3. Using Crossings: This is a three-letter answer, so getting even one or two crossing letters from other clues will make it significantly easier. If you have M??, ??D, or M?D, the answer often becomes clear.

Background Context

The prefix mid- comes from Old English and is related to the word "middle." It's a versatile prefix used to denote the central part of a period of time, a space, or an object. We see it in many everyday words:

• midday: The middle of the day.
• midsummer: The middle of the summer.
• midterm: The middle of an academic term.
• mid-century: In the middle of a century (often referring to the 1900s).

In geometry, a midpoint is the exact middle point of a line segment, equidistant from both endpoints. The clue leverages this very common and precise definition.

Conclusion

"Prefix with point" is a great example of an entry-level crossword clue. It's clear, direct, and relies on common vocabulary. It serves as a good reminder to always read the clue carefully - it asks for the prefix, not the whole word. Once you recognize the pattern, clues like this become quick and satisfying solves.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about words that describe a location in time or space.
2. Hint 2: This prefix often signifies the center or middle of something.
3. Hint 3: It's used in terms like ____-century modern or ____-day.
4. Hint 4: The word you're looking for combines with 'point' to mean the exact center of a line segment.