Mental upset (8) - Crossword Clue
Answer: DISQUIET
Mental upset (8) is a classic crossword clue that leads to the answer DISQUIET, an eight-letter word describing a state of anxiety, unease, or mental disturbance.
Understanding the Clue
- The clue "mental upset" directly points to DISQUIET, which means a feeling of worry or unease. This straightforward definition-style clue is common in cryptic and standard crossword puzzles.
- The number in parentheses (8) indicates the answer contains exactly eight letters, helping solvers narrow down possibilities.
- Disquiet captures that uncomfortable feeling of mental disturbance or agitation—when something isn't quite right but you can't put your finger on it.
- It's stronger than simple concern but not as intense as panic or terror.
Why DISQUIET Fits Perfectly
- DISQUIET works as the solution because it literally means mental upset or disturbance. The word combines "dis-" (a prefix meaning not or opposite) with "quiet," creating a term that describes the opposite of mental peace.
- When someone experiences disquiet, their mind lacks tranquility and feels unsettled.Common synonyms include anxiety, unease, restlessness, perturbation, and agitation—all related to mental or emotional upset.
- In crossword construction, this type of direct definition clue offers a fair challenge without requiring cryptic wordplay knowledge.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for direct definitions first - Many crossword clues, especially in American-style puzzles, are straightforward definitions. "Mental upset" describes exactly what DISQUIET means.
- Count the letters - The (8) tells you the answer must be eight letters long. This immediately eliminates shorter synonyms like "worry," "fear," or "angst."
- Consider word structure - Words beginning with "DIS-" often indicate negation or reversal. If you have D-I-S from crossing answers, think of words starting with this prefix.
- Use crossing answers - Fill in letters from intersecting words. Even a few letters can help you recognize DISQUIET, especially the distinctive Q.
- Think of formal vocabulary - Crosswords often prefer slightly literary or formal terms. DISQUIET is more elegant than "being upset" or "feeling worried."
- Build your synonym bank - Keep a mental list of eight-letter emotion words: DISQUIET, SERENITY, GLADNESS, SADNESS, JEALOUSY. This helps you quickly match clue length with appropriate answers.
Mental upset (8) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:What does disquiet mean in everyday language?
Disquiet refers to a feeling of anxiety, worry, or unease. It's that nagging sense that something isn't right, causing mental restlessness. You might feel disquiet before a major decision, during uncertain times, or when circumstances seem unsettling.
Q:Are there other eight-letter answers for "mental upset"?
While DISQUIET is the most common answer, alternatives include NEUROSIS (a psychological disorder), DISTRESS (severe anxiety), or AGITATION (nervous excitement). However, the specific wording of the clue usually points to DISQUIET as the intended solution.
Q:Is this a cryptic clue or a standard definition clue?
This is a standard definition clue—straightforward and direct. In cryptic crosswords, you'd see additional wordplay or hidden meanings, but "mental upset (8)" simply asks for an eight-letter synonym of mental disturbance.
Q:How common is DISQUIET in crossword puzzles?
DISQUIET appears regularly in crosswords because of its useful letter pattern (especially the Q without a following U in some positions) and its precise eight-letter length. It's considered intermediate-level vocabulary—not too obscure, but not everyday language either.
Q:What's the difference between disquiet and anxiety?
Disquiet is a broader, milder term for unease or restlessness, while anxiety typically implies more intense worry often with physical symptoms. Disquiet might be the early whisper of concern; anxiety is the louder alarm. Both indicate mental upset, but with different intensities.
