Solved: Agitation of Mind Crossword from The Sun 2026
There are few things more satisfying for a crossword enthusiast than finally cracking that stubborn clue that has eluded them for hours. If you've recently found yourself staring at "Agitation of mind crossword clue" from The Sun's February 15, 2026 2-Speed Crossword, rest assured, you're not alone. This particular phrase is designed to make you think, blending abstract concepts into a precise, seven-letter answer. For many, it's a moment of delightful challenge, where the convergence of two seemingly distinct ideas must lead to a singular, perfect fit.
The good news is, the search for the elusive solution ends here. We've delved into the depths of crossword logic to provide not just the answer, but a comprehensive understanding of why itβs the perfect fit, alongside valuable insights to sharpen your future puzzle-solving skills. Whether you're stuck on the latest The Sun puzzle or revisiting an archived challenge, this guide is your key to unlocking 'Agitation of Mind'. For a quick reference to the solution, you might find our related article, Agitation of Mind Crossword Clue: Find the 7-Letter Answer, particularly useful.
The Puzzle Solved: Unveiling the 7-Letter Answer
The moment of truth has arrived. For the "Agitation of mind crossword clue" that appeared in The Sun's 2-Speed Crossword on February 15, 2026, and previously in The Guardian Quick on August 7, 2018, the definitive 7-letter answer is:
- EMOTION
Yes, the word is EMOTION. At first glance, it might seem a simple word, but its connection to "agitation of mind" is profound and perfectly encapsulates the essence of the clue. An emotion is defined as "any strong feeling." Think about it: when one experiences "agitation of mind," what is truly happening? It's a state characterized by strong feelings β feelings that can disturb one's mental tranquility, creating internal turmoil or unrest. Fear, anger, anxiety, even intense excitement β these are all emotions that can lead to an "agitation of mind."
Crossword setters are masters of nuance, and this clue beautifully illustrates their craft. They take a descriptive phrase, "agitation of mind," which paints a picture of internal disquiet or turbulent mental state, and boil it down to the core phenomenon responsible for such a state: emotion. The fit is elegant, precise, and entirely logical once you break down the constituent parts of the clue.
Delving Deeper: Understanding 'Agitation of Mind'
To truly appreciate why EMOTION is the correct answer, it's helpful to dissect the components of the clue itself. "Agitation of mind" is a descriptive phrase, and understanding each word unlocks the setter's intent.
Agitation: More Than Just Being Upset
The word "agitation" carries significant weight here. While it can refer to physical movement or disturbance, in the context of mind, it speaks to an internal turbulence. The reference context defines agitation as "a state of agitation or turbulent change or development" and "disturbance usually in protest." When applied to the mind, this isn't just a fleeting thought; it's a profound disturbance, a state where one's thoughts and feelings are in flux, unsettled, or even distressed.
Consider the synonyms for agitation: restlessness, disquiet, turmoil, perturbation, uneasiness. All these words describe a state that is deeply felt and often stems from a powerful internal reaction. It's not a calm, rational state but one marked by strong, often difficult, feelings.
The Mind: A Complex Canvas
Then we have "mind." The context defines it as "that which is responsible for oneβs thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason" and "knowledge and intellectual ability." The mind is where our internal world resides β where we process information, form opinions, and, critically for this clue, experience feelings.
When "agitation" is applied to the "mind," it describes a disturbance within this complex inner world. It's the stirring up of thoughts and, more prominently, feelings that disrupt the mind's equilibrium. This combination points directly to a powerful internal experience that isn't purely intellectual or rational, but deeply visceral and affective.
Therefore, "agitation of mind" perfectly describes the experience of being overcome by strong feelings or emotions. It's the mental turmoil brought about by powerful emotional states, whether positive or negative. For more insights into how such clues are resolved, see Unraveling 'Agitation of Mind': The 7-Letter Crossword Solution.
Crossword Insights and Solving Strategies for Tricky Clues
Encountering clues like "Agitation of mind" can be a fantastic learning opportunity. Here are some strategies to tackle similar multi-word, abstract clues in future crosswords:
- Deconstruct the Clue: Always break multi-word clues into their individual components. Understand the possible meanings of each word independently, then try to synthesize their combined meaning. For "agitation of mind," recognizing that "agitation" implies disturbance and "mind" is the locus of feelings is crucial.
- Consider Synonyms and Core Concepts: What's the fundamental concept being described? "Agitation of mind" points to a state of being unsettled by inner feelings. What single word best encapsulates that? Synonyms for the *entire phrase* can often lead you to the answer.
- Focus on Letter Count: The specified letter count (7 letters in this case) is your most powerful constraint. It immediately narrows down the possibilities and helps eliminate plausible-sounding but incorrect words.
- Think About Parts of Speech: Is the clue asking for a noun, verb, or adjective? "Agitation of mind" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, suggesting the answer will also be a noun.
- Look for Double Definitions or Cryptic Elements: While "Agitation of mind" is more of a straightforward definition clue, always be aware that setters might use wordplay, homophones, or anagrams for other clues. This specific clue from The Sun 2-Speed Crossword tends to lean towards direct definitions or compound definitions.
- Use Context from Other Solved Clues: Sometimes, an obscure clue only becomes solvable once a few crossing words are in place, revealing a letter or two that sparks recognition.
- Practice and Pattern Recognition: The more crosswords you do, especially from a specific publication like The Sun, the more familiar you become with the setters' styles and common clue types.
This approach transforms a potentially frustrating experience into a logical deduction, making the "solve" even more rewarding.
The History and Recurrence of 'Agitation of Mind'
It's fascinating how certain clues reappear in different crosswords over time. The "Agitation of mind crossword clue" is a prime example, having made its debut (at least in our recent records) in The Guardian Quick on August 7, 2018, before resurfacing in The Sun 2-Speed Crossword on February 15, 2026. This recurrence isn't uncommon and offers a glimpse into the art of crossword setting.
Setters often revisit well-crafted clues because they are effective, challenging, and lead to satisfying answers. A clue like "Agitation of mind" paired with "EMOTION" is a testament to strong clue-to-answer synergy. It's neither too obscure nor too obvious, striking a perfect balance for a general audience. The "2-Speed" nature of The Sun's puzzle often implies that clues can lean towards either direct definitions (for the "quick" solve) or more cryptic interpretations (for the "cryptic" solve), but in this instance, it's a robust definitional link.
For solvers, knowing that a clue has appeared before can sometimes be a hint in itself. If you're a seasoned puzzler who keeps track of past solutions or uses online databases, you might recognize the phrasing. This highlights the rich history and interconnectedness of the crossword world.
Conclusion
Solving the "Agitation of mind crossword clue" truly encapsulates the joy of crosswords: taking a descriptive phrase and distilling it to its single, most accurate word. The answer, EMOTION, is a testament to the power of language and the cleverness of crossword setters. By breaking down the clue, understanding its components, and applying strategic thinking, you can tackle even the most perplexing puzzles.
We hope this comprehensive breakdown not only helped you complete your The Sun 2026 crossword but also provided you with valuable insights and strategies for future challenges. Keep puzzling, keep learning, and enjoy the thrill of the solve!