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Connections Hints for February 22, 2024 #255

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for February 22, 2024 #255

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Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — February 22, 2024

Green Category — February 22, 2024

Blue Category — February 22, 2024

Purple Category — February 22, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — ORIGIN

Why is “FONT” in the Blue group?

the source or origin of a river, or a set of characters in printing

Green group — DEPARTMENT

Why is “CHAPTER” in the Green group?

a local branch of an organization, or a division of a book

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (February 22, 2024)

Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.

FONT
Definition: a source or origin, especially of a river
Why it's tricky: often confused with the term for a set of characters in printing
ROOT
Definition: the point of origin or source of something
Why it's tricky: can also refer to the underground part of a plant
CHAPTER
Definition: a division of a book, or a local branch of an organization
Why it's tricky: can be confused with the term for a section of a book
BRANCH
Definition: a division of a larger organization, or a part of a tree
Why it's tricky: can be confused with the term for a part of a tree

Connections #255 explained

Why these words connect (February 22, 2024)

Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.

Yellow group: DOG SOUNDS

These are all sounds that dogs are known to make, including barking, growling, howling, and whining

Green group: DEPARTMENT

These are all terms that can refer to a division or branch of a larger organization, such as a company or government

Blue group: ORIGIN

These are all terms that refer to the starting point or source of something, such as a river or an idea

Purple group: COLORS WITH THEIR FIRST LETTERS CHANGED

These are all colors with their first letter changed, such as blue becoming clue

Red herrings and trap words explained

These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.

WING

Seems like it belongs to: DOG SOUNDS

Actually belongs to: DEPARTMENT

WING can be a verb meaning to move quickly, but in this context, it refers to a division of an organization

ROOT

Seems like it belongs to: DOG SOUNDS

Actually belongs to: ORIGIN

ROOT can be a verb meaning to cheer for, but in this context, it refers to the point of origin or source of something

BRANCH

Seems like it belongs to: DOG SOUNDS

Actually belongs to: DEPARTMENT

BRANCH can be a verb meaning to divide into separate parts, but in this context, it refers to a division of a larger organization

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “WING” didn't go with DOG SOUNDS

Seems like: DOG SOUNDS → Actually: DEPARTMENT

WING can be a verb meaning to move quickly, but in this context, it refers to a division of an organization

Why “ROOT” didn't go with DOG SOUNDS

Seems like: DOG SOUNDS → Actually: ORIGIN

ROOT can be a verb meaning to cheer for, but in this context, it refers to the point of origin or source of something

Why “BRANCH” didn't go with DOG SOUNDS

Seems like: DOG SOUNDS → Actually: DEPARTMENT

BRANCH can be a verb meaning to divide into separate parts, but in this context, it refers to a division of a larger organization

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