The same three letters, but not in the same order, will complete the partial words below.

1.  _ _ TAD _ L
2.  _ _ LA _ R
3.  P _ E _ _
4.  _ _ T _
5.  _ _ _

Answer:

The letters are ICE:

1. CITADEL
2. ECLAIR
3. PIECE
4. CITE
5. ICE