Still Waters: Decoding Emotional Imperturbability in Crosswords
Welcome back to the logophile’s labyrinth! Today’s deep dive centers around a particularly evocative crossword clue: “Unaffected by strong emotion (13)“. This seemingly simple phrase unlocks a world of nuanced vocabulary and demands a solver to navigate the complexities of human feeling – or, rather, the
lack
thereof.
Crossword constructors love to play with antonyms and synonyms, crafting clues that challenge us to think about words from unconventional angles. This clue is a prime example. While “happy,” “sad,” or “angry” represent strong emotions, we need a single 13-letter word that represents their
absence
or resistance to them. That means thinking outside the box – or, perhaps, thinking
inside
a very specific type of box defined by stoicism, composure, and emotional distance.
When approaching a clue like this, it’s helpful to break it down into its component parts. “Unaffected by” is our key. This suggests a state of being where external forces, in this case, strong emotions, have little to no impact. This isn’t necessarily about lacking emotions entirely; it’s about possessing a certain shield, a resilience that prevents emotional turbulence from disturbing one’s inner equilibrium.
We then have “strong emotion.” This is deliberately broad. It could encompass everything from intense joy and passionate love to crippling fear and profound grief. The solution must, therefore, represent a quality that stands in opposition to the entire spectrum of heightened feeling.
Consider the language associated with controlling or suppressing emotions. We often talk about “keeping a stiff upper lip,” “remaining stoic,” or “maintaining composure.” These phrases hint at the kind of quality we’re after, but they are, of course, not the 13-letter word we need. They do, however, offer valuable clues as to the
tone
and
semantic field
we should be exploring.
Think about situations where remaining emotionally detached is considered a virtue. Surgeons, negotiators, and even poker players often benefit from a certain degree of emotional aloofness. Why? Because strong emotions can cloud judgment, lead to impulsive decisions, and ultimately hinder success.
Also, it’s worth considering what a person might
do
to become unaffected by strong emotion. Might they practice mindfulness, meditation, or other techniques to cultivate inner peace? Or might they build psychological defenses to shield themselves from the impact of difficult experiences? These thoughts can sometimes spark a breakthrough in solving particularly tricky crossword clues.
Remember the importance of intersecting letters. If you have a few letters already filled in from other clues, use them to your advantage. These anchors can narrow down the possibilities and guide you toward the correct answer. Pay close attention to common letter combinations and prefixes/suffixes that might fit the pattern.
This clue, “Unaffected by strong emotion (13),” challenges us not only to recall a specific word but also to contemplate the complexities of human experience. So, sharpen your wits, delve into your vocabulary, and prepare to unlock the solution to this cerebral teaser. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
DISPASSIONATE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 15 November 2025