Tried to convince - NYT Mini-Crossword Clue
Introduction
Today's clue, "Tried to convince," from the NYT Mini-Crossword is a classic example of a straightforward synonym clue. These are common in daily puzzles and especially in the Mini, where speed and directness are key. The challenge is simply to find the right word that fits the grid's constraints.
Clue Analysis
The clue is a verb phrase in the past tense: "Tried to convince." This tells us a few important things:
- Part of Speech: The answer will be a verb.
- Tense: The answer will be in the past tense, likely ending in "-ed."
- Meaning: The answer will mean something similar to persuading, encouraging, or imploring someone to do something. It implies a degree of insistence.
The word "tried" suggests an attempt, which aligns well with the answer. You don't just convince someone; you urge them, which is the act of trying to convince them.
Thinking Approaches
When you encounter a clue like this, a good strategy is to brainstorm synonyms.
- Synonym Ladder: Start with the core idea: "convince" or "persuade."
- What are other ways to say this? Advised, pleaded, implored, pushed, encouraged.
- Consider the Tense: Make sure your synonyms are in the past tense.
- Advised, pleaded, implored, pushed, encouraged.
- Use Crossings: In a crossword, you're never solving in a vacuum. Let's imagine you have a few letters. If the answer is five letters and you have
_ R _ E D, the possibilities narrow dramatically. "URGED" fits perfectly. The "U" at the beginning is often a great letter to get from a crossing clue, as it can quickly confirm or deny your initial guesses.
Background Context
The word "urge" has its roots in the Latin verb urgere, which means "to press" or "to drive." This origin story perfectly captures the essence of the word's meaning. When you urge someone, you are metaphorically pressing or driving them toward a certain action or belief. It's a stronger word than "suggest" but often gentler than "demand." It carries a sense of earnestness and strong recommendation, making it a perfect fit for "Tried to convince."
Conclusion
This clue was a clean, direct definition that tested vocabulary and the ability to match tense. By breaking down the clue into its core meaning and grammatical structure, solvers can quickly land on the correct synonym. Brainstorming related words and using any available crossing letters is the most efficient path to the solution.