distinguish separate discriminate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "distinguish separate discriminate", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "distinguish separate discriminate crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TELL: To distinguish or recognize, often used in phrases like 'tell apart' or 'tell the difference between'. This is a common and concise answer for distinguishing.
7 Letters
DISCERN: To perceive or recognize something, often with difficulty or by making fine distinctions. It perfectly aligns with distinguishing, separating, and discriminating.
8 Letters
SEPARATE: To cause to move or be apart. While directly from the clue, it's a fundamental answer when considering the act of distinguishing or discriminating by putting things apart.
13 Letters
DIFFERENTIATE: To recognize or ascertain what makes someone or something different. This word encapsulates the essence of separating and discriminating based on distinct characteristics.
More About "distinguish separate discriminate crossword clue"
The clue "distinguish separate discriminate" is a classic example of a crossword clue that relies on synonyms and closely related concepts. All three verbs — distinguish, separate, and discriminate — revolve around the idea of recognizing differences, setting things apart, or making fine judgments. In crosswords, such clues often test your vocabulary range and your ability to identify the most fitting word that captures the essence of all listed synonyms, while also matching the required letter count.
Understanding the subtle nuances of each term can be key. 'Distinguish' often implies recognizing unique qualities. 'Separate' focuses on physical or conceptual division. 'Discriminate' (in its original sense, common in crosswords) refers to discerning or making careful distinctions. A good crossword solver considers all these angles to arrive at the most accurate solution, which might be a common verb like 'TELL' or a more complex one like 'DIFFERENTIATE'.
When you encounter a clue like this, think about the core action being described: identifying what makes one thing distinct from another. This mental approach, combined with checking letter counts, significantly narrows down the possibilities and leads you to the correct answer more efficiently.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Synonyms: If a clue lists multiple words, think about a core concept that all words share. The answer is often a common synonym for that shared concept, even if it's not a direct synonym for every word in the clue.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answers against the number of letters provided in the puzzle grid. This is your most powerful filter for clues with multiple possible solutions.
- Think Beyond Common Meanings: Some words, like 'discriminate', have multiple meanings. Crossword setters often use less common or older definitions. Be open to less obvious interpretations.
- Look for Part of Speech: Ensure your answer matches the grammatical function of the clue. If the clue is a verb, the answer will almost certainly be a verb.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some crossword clues have multiple possible answers?
Crossword clues often leverage synonyms, homophones, or multiple interpretations of a word or phrase. A clue like 'distinguish separate discriminate' can point to several words that convey a similar meaning but have different nuances or letter counts, all of which are valid solutions depending on the grid and intersecting words.
How can I improve my ability to solve synonym-based crossword clues?
To master synonym clues, expand your vocabulary and pay attention to subtle differences in meaning. Use a thesaurus to explore related words, and practice by trying to come up with multiple synonyms for common words. Also, consider the part of speech required by the clue.
Is 'discriminate' always a negative term in crosswords?
No, in crosswords, 'discriminate' often refers to its original meaning: to recognize a distinction; differentiate. While in modern usage it frequently implies unfair treatment, its older, neutral sense of 'discerning' or 'distinguishing' is very common in puzzles.