Hint for No.585 connections on Jan 16, 2025

Create four groups of four!

MARKET
SWITCH
PLANT
MALL
TRADE
GYM
OUTLET
ASSET
RUG
BUSINESS
MOLE
SCONCE
PACK
AGENT
BASEBOARD
COMMERCE

Step-by-Step Hint

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Word Explanations

MARKET

Market refers to a place, event, or system where buyers and sellers come together to exchange goods, services, or capital. It involves the purchase, sale, or exchange of goods and services at agreed prices, often facilitated by a market mechanism that determines prices.

SWITCH

A switch is an electronic device that connects or disconnects electrical circuits, often used to control the flow of electricity. It can be a manual (push-button) or automated (solenoid, relay) mechanism, and is fundamental in electrical systems for routing signals or power.

PLANT

PLANT refers to a living organism, typically a seed, seedling, or mature plant, that produces its own food through photosynthesis and has a cell wall containing cellulose. Plants can be flowering, non-flowering, and are essential for life on Earth, providing oxygen, food, and habitats. They grow in a variety of environments and have adapted to numerous conditions.

MALL

Mall is a large, enclosed shopping center containing multiple stores, usually with common parking, a food court, and sometimes entertainment facilities. It is a popular retail destination for shopping, dining, and leisure activities.

TRADE

Trade refers to the exchange of goods, services, or resources between parties. It can occur through barter or monetary transactions, and is central to economic growth and the development of societies. It facilitates specialization, access to a wider variety of goods, and can lead to mutual benefits.

GYM

Gym refers to a facility equipped for exercise and sports. It typically includes equipment like treadmills, weights, and stationary bikes. Gyms promote physical fitness and well-being, allowing individuals to engage in various workouts, from strength training to cardiovascular exercises.

OUTLET

An outlet is a device that provides access to electricity, typically for plugging in electrical appliances. It serves as the point where power from the electrical grid connects to household or commercial circuits, allowing devices to be powered or charged.

ASSET

ASSET refers to a valuable resource or item that can provide future economic benefits. It can be tangible, like property or equipment, or intangible, such as patents or brand reputation. Assets are crucial for a company's financial health and are recorded on its balance sheet.

RUG

RUG refers to the "Randomized User Group," a methodology used in experiments to divide participants into groups where one group receives a treatment and the other does not. It helps ensure that any observed differences between groups are due to the treatment and not other factors.

BUSINESS

Business refers to the activity of buying and selling goods and services, often with the goal of making a profit. It involves a wide range of activities, from small local shops to large international corporations, encompassing management, finance, marketing, and human resources.

MOLE

The term "mole" refers to a unit in chemistry, representing 6.022 x 10^23 particles (like atoms or molecules). It's used to measure the amount of a substance in a sample, with one mole of any substance having a mass equal to its atomic or molecular weight in grams. Mole is crucial for stoichiometry calculations.

SCONCE

Sconce is a bracket attached to a wall to hold a lamp or candle, often featuring decorative elements. It's a common feature in traditional homes, adding both practical lighting and visual interest to a room.

PACK

PACK is a verb meaning to put things together in a container, bundle, or group. It's also a noun referring to a small group of people or things assembled together, or a packet or bundle of items. It can also describe the action of filling something to capacity.

AGENT

An agent is an entity or individual that acts on behalf of another, often to perform a specific task or represent their interests. It can be a human, company, or software program, and is typically granted authority to make decisions or negotiate on behalf of the principal.

BASEBOARD

Baseboard is a wooden or metal strip installed at the floor level along walls, serving as a transition between the floor and the wall, providing a decorative edge and sometimes protecting the wall from scuffs and damage. It can also act as a support for door thresholds.

COMMERCE

Commerce refers to the exchange of goods and services between individuals or entities. It encompasses buying, selling, and trading activities, both locally and globally. It drives economic growth, fosters innovation, and connects people and cultures.

Group Hints:

Words are categorized into four distinct groups—labeled yellow, green, blue, and purple—and these are arranged in order of increasing complexity, from simplest to most challenging.

Yellow Group

In the world of commerce, a bustling marketplace thrives, where goods are swapped for coins, and dreams are traded for treasures. Look for the intersection where deals are struck and value is exchanged.

The group word is BUYING AND SELLING

Green Group

"Mount this versatile piece near you—its sleek design complements any space, and its functionality makes it an essential part of daily activities."

The group word is INSTALLED ON A WALL

Blue Group

In the shadow of global espionage, a master of disguise navigates clandestine missions, leaving behind a trail of intrigue that only the most astute can unravel.

The group word is SPY

Purple Group

In a bustling metropolis, the city's heart pounds with life, where the rhythm of its streets mirrors the pulse of a thriving metropolis. Each corner tells a story of resilience, where the relentless pursuit of dreams and the enduring spirit of innovation shape its vibrant landscape.

The group word is ___ RAT

Considering the clues provided, have you managed to determine the answer? Should you still be stumped, feel free to check out the solutions below.

Connections Answer

BUYING AND SELLING

BUSINESS, COMMERCE, MARKET, TRADE

INSTALLED ON A WALL

BASEBOARD, OUTLET, SCONCE, SWITCH

SPY

AGENT, ASSET, MOLE, PLANT

___ RAT

GYM, MALL, PACK, RUG

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