Makes slightly wet (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: DAMPENS (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Makes slightly wet" with 7 letters is "DAMPENS".Dampens means to make something slightly wet or to reduce its intensity. It is often used to describe a process where moisture is added to something, such as a surface or atmosphere, or when something’s effect or energy is softened or lessened.
Why “Dampens” Fits
The clue is asking for a single word (7 letters) meaning “makes slightly wet.” The answer, DAMPENS, fits perfectly:
- Makes slightly wet: The verb dampen means to moisten or make something a little wet, not soaked but lightly touched with moisture.
- Direct match: “Dampens” is exactly 7 letters, matching the clue’s enumeration, and conveys the idea of slight wetness rather than thorough soaking.
- Everyday usage: It is the standard word for describing the action of making something a bit damp or less dry.
The verb dampen evolved from middle English usage related to making less dry, vigorous, or strong:
- Common contexts: It appears in descriptions like “dampen the cloth,” “the rain dampens spirits,” or “dampened the enthusiasm.”
- Dual sense: While its most literal meaning is physical (to moisten lightly), it is also widely used figuratively (to subdue enthusiasm, energy, or intensity). Thus it bridges both physical and emotional contexts.
- Examples: “The drizzle dampens the ground,” “She dampens the sponge before cleaning.” Both show the slight wetness aspect.
In quick crosswords, clues like “makes slightly wet (7)” often rely on straightforward synonyms without wordplay:
- The instruction “slightly” suggests the solver should think of a softer action than “soaks” or “wets.”
- The 7-letter requirement rules out simpler synonyms like “moistens” (8) and narrows choices to “dampens.”
- Since crosswords often favor common verbs that extend to figurative uses, “dampens” becomes the clear fit, covering both literal wetting and mild reduction.
