discourages crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide to solving even the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and detailed explanations for the clue "discourages crossword clue", organized by letter count for easy navigation.
Solutions for "discourages crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
DETERS: To prevent someone from acting by instilling fear or doubt.
DAUNTS: To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive, thereby discouraging them.
7 Letters
HINDERS: To create difficulties or obstacles, thereby preventing progress or discouraging an action.
DAMPENS: To make something less intense, active, or cheerful, often discouraging enthusiasm.
9 Letters
DISSUADES: To persuade someone not to take a particular course of action, directly discouraging them.
More About "discourages crossword clue"
The clue "discourages" in a crossword puzzle points to verbs that signify preventing, deterring, or making someone less enthusiastic about an action. This often involves synonyms that imply a negative influence or outcome. Crossword setters love clues that have multiple layers of meaning, and 'discourages' can sometimes lean towards emotional impact (like 'dampens' spirits) or physical obstruction (like 'hinders' progress).
Understanding the nuance of such a clue is crucial. Is the puzzle looking for an active prevention or a passive reduction in morale? By considering the number of letters and any intersecting words you already have, you can narrow down the possibilities to find the perfect fit. Always double-check the tense and number; 'discourages' is a third-person singular present tense verb, so its answer should match this form (e.g., 'detERs' not 'deter').
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Tense: Always pay close attention to the tense and form of the verb clue. If the clue is 'discourages', look for an answer that is also a present tense, third-person singular verb.
- Consider Synonyms Broadly: Think beyond direct synonyms. 'Discourages' might also imply 'putting off' (as in 'PUTSOFF' if a single word), or 'making less keen', which opens up more possibilities.
- Leverage Letter Counts: Use the provided answer lengths to your advantage. If you know the word is 6 letters, you can immediately rule out 9-letter possibilities, helping you focus your search.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: Don't try to solve the clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends in confirming or eliminating potential answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'discourages' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'discourages' typically functions as a verb clue, requiring an answer that means to deter, hinder, or dissuade. It often implies a negative action or outcome, leading to synonyms like DETERS, DAUNTS, HINDERS, or DISSUADES.
How do I find answers for verb clues like 'discourages'?
For verb clues like 'discourages,' consider synonyms that match the tense (present tense, often third-person singular ending in -s). Think about the various ways something can be discouraged: through fear (DETERS, DAUNTS), obstruction (HINDERS), or persuasion (DISSUADES). Context from surrounding letters is key.
Are there common crossword traps for 'discourages'?
One common trap is misinterpreting the tense or form. Ensure your answer is also a verb in the same tense (e.g., 'discourages' calls for 'DAUNTS,' not 'DAUNTING' or 'DISCOURAGEMENT'). Also, beware of answers that are too general; look for words that specifically imply an act of preventing or lowering enthusiasm.