demean crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "demean" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your grid with confidence.
Solutions for "demean crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ABASE: To lower in rank, status, or esteem; degrade.
LOWER: To reduce to a less advanced or more humble state or level.
SULLY: To damage the purity or integrity of; defile.
6 Letters
HUMBLE: To cause someone to feel less important or proud; to lower in dignity or importance.
DEBASE: To reduce (something) in quality or value; degrade.
7 Letters
DEGRADE: To treat or regard (someone) with contempt or disrespect; to lower in character or quality.
8 Letters
BELITTLE: To make (someone or something) seem unimportant.
More About "demean crossword clue"
"Demean" is a versatile word that often appears in crossword puzzles, typically pointing towards synonyms related to lowering or degrading. Understanding its core meaning – to cause someone to lose dignity or respect – is key to finding the correct answer. Crossword setters love to use words with multiple shades of meaning, and "demean" perfectly fits this profile, allowing for answers ranging from direct synonyms like ABASE or DEGRADE to more nuanced terms like BELITTLE or HUMBLE.
When you encounter this clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a gentle clue implying a subtle reduction in status, or a strong one suggesting a harsh degradation? The surrounding words and the puzzle's theme can often provide subtle hints. Remember that answers can vary significantly in length, so having a good grasp of common synonyms across different letter counts is incredibly useful for solving puzzles efficiently.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: "Demean" can have different strengths. A clue like "make oneself small" might lead to HUMBLE, while "treat contemptuously" could point to DEGRADE. Always consider the precise phrasing of the clue.
- Check Letter Count: After finding a potential synonym, verify its letter count against the puzzle grid. This is a common pitfall! For instance, if you think of DEBASE (6 letters) but the slot is for 7, you need another option like DEGRADE.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by checking how it fits with words from intersecting clues. If even one letter doesn't match, your answer is likely incorrect.
- Think of Antonyms: Sometimes, understanding what "demean" is NOT can help. Words like exalt, dignify, or elevate are its opposites, and considering them might indirectly lead you to a suitable synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "demean" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "demean" typically refers to synonyms related to lowering one's status, dignity, or character, or making someone feel less important. It often implies a negative action towards oneself or another.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for "demean" answers?
While not always a rule, crossword setters might use clues that subtly point to common prefixes like "de-" (implying reduction or removal) or suffixes that change the word's grammatical form. However, focusing on core synonyms for 'demean' is usually the most effective strategy.
How can I guess the length of a "demean" answer?
To guess the length, pay close attention to any specific nuances in the clue beyond just 'demean'. For example, if it says 'make humble', it might imply a longer word like HUMBLE or BELITTLE. Also, check intersecting letters from other solved clues in the grid, as these are crucial for confirming word length.