Ruin (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: CHEAPEN (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Ruin" with 7 letters is "CHEAPEN".Cheapen means to reduce the value or quality of something, often leading to its devaluation or deterioration. It can be used metaphorically to describe the act of lowering the worth or importance of an item, experience, or even a reputation, ultimately leading to its "ruin" in terms of perceived value.
Why "Cheapen" Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning "ruin." The answer, CHEAPEN, fits well as it captures the idea of diminishing value or quality—closely aligned with the clue’s definition.
- Ruin: Cheapen means to reduce in value, quality, or reputation, effectively ruining the worth or esteem of something—matching the clue’s intended meaning.
- Direct match: With seven letters, cheapen fits the enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The word conveys a form of ruin focused on loss of worth or reputation rather than physical destruction.
Cheapen is a common English verb describing devaluation in both literal and figurative senses:
Origin and usage:
- From the adjective cheap plus the verb-forming suffix -en, indicating the action of making something cheap or less valuable.
- Used in economics, social contexts, and aesthetics to express decline in stature or quality.
Application context:
- Cheapen can describe the lowering of monetary value, artistic integrity, reputation, or moral standards.
Examples:
- “Mass production threatened to cheapen handcrafted goods.”
- “Overexposure can cheapen the impact of an artist’s work.”
- “Corruption cheapens the dignity of public office.”
In quick crosswords like “Ruin (7),” clues for synonyms vary between physical destruction and figurative decline:
Definition: “Ruin” is broad, but cheapen is a perfect seven-letter match for figurative ruin—damage to value or esteem rather than structure.
Clue type: Synonym with a subtle, more nuanced meaning.
Solving approach:
- Consider seven-letter words synonymous with reducing value or quality: cheapen, humble, degrade, spoil, damage (damage/spoil have 6 letters).
- Cheapen fits both length and a specific interpretation of ruin well.
Crossword pattern: Selected words that encapsulate abstract or moral decline alongside physical ruin are popular for varied clues.
