49 Across

NYT Daily • August 2, 2025

Demonstrative words

Answer:

LIKESO

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue **\"Demonstrative words\"** with the answer **\"LIKESO\"**:\n\n*\"Phrase used to show how something is done, often in an old-fashioned way.\"*\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the idea of demonstrating an action or manner without directly giving away the answer. It also subtly suggests the answer might be a less common or archaic phrase."]

Explanation:

The clue **"Demonstrative words"** leads to the answer **"LIKESO"** through the following reasoning: 1. **Demonstrative Words**: In grammar, demonstrative words are terms like "this," "that," "these," and "those," which point to specific things. However, the answer **"LIKESO"** is not a standard demonstrative pronoun but rather a playful or archaic way of saying **"like so"**—a phrase used to demonstrate or illustrate something. 2. **Wordplay**: The clue relies on a less common or informal interpretation of "demonstrative words." Instead of the usual grammatical terms, it hints at a phrase that means "in this manner" or "as shown," which fits **"LIKESO."** 3. **Cultural/Usage Note**: While not a modern everyday term, **"LIKESO"** appears in older texts or dialects to mean "in this way" or "thus," making it a clever, if slightly obscure, fit for the clue. Thus, the answer plays on the idea of words that demonstrate or show something, leading to the less conventional but fitting **"LIKESO."**

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