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Addle: meaning, definitions and examples

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addle

 

[ ˈæd.əl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

state of confusion

To addle means to confuse or muddle someone or something, often resulting in a lack of clarity or logical thought. It can also refer to making eggs rotten or corrupted, particularly in biological terms.

Synonyms

bewilder, confuse, perplex

Examples of usage

  • The complicated instructions addled my mind.
  • His constant questioning addled the discussion.
  • The strong smell of chemicals addled her senses.
Context #2 | Verb

to spoil eggs

In a more specific context, to addle refers to the process of causing an egg to become spoiled or not viable. This term is often used in discussions about bird nesting and reproductive health.

Synonyms

degrade, rot, spoil

Examples of usage

  • The unregulated temperature in the nest can addle the eggs.
  • Predators often addle the eggs before eating.
  • Without proper care, the eggs may addle.

Translations

Translations of the word "addle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 misturar

🇮🇳 मिश्रण करना

🇩🇪 mischen

🇮🇩 mencampur

🇺🇦 змішувати

🇵🇱 mieszać

🇯🇵 混ぜる

🇫🇷 mélanger

🇪🇸 mezclar

🇹🇷 karıştırmak

🇰🇷 혼합하다

🇸🇦 يمزج

🇨🇿 smíchat

🇸🇰 zmiešať

🇨🇳 混合

🇸🇮 mešati

🇮🇸 blanda

🇰🇿 араластыру

🇬🇪 შერევა

🇦🇿 qarışdırmaq

🇲🇽 mezclar

Word origin

The word 'addle' originates from the Old English word 'adlan', which means 'to make or become muddled or confused.' This term can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *adlą, which implies a sense of confusion or disorder. Over time, the use of 'addle' has evolved to include both mental confusion and the degradation of eggs. The term has been present in English literature for centuries, reflecting its versatility in describing both cognitive states and biological processes. The connection to eggs leads it to be used in both casual and scientific contexts, showcasing the richness of English vocabulary.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,045, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.