Baffle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
baffle
[หbรฆf.ษl ]
Definitions
confuse
To baffle means to confuse or perplex someone, making them unable to understand or figure out something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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baffle |
Use in situations where someone is perplexed or cannot understand something at all. It often implies a higher level of confusion.
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confound |
Best used to describe a mix of confusion and surprise, where something unexpected challenges what was previously understood.
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bewilder |
Used when someone is very confused or surprised, often due to an overwhelming amount of information or unexpected circumstances.
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puzzle |
Use when something is confusing or difficult to understand, but often in a way that suggests curiosity and a need to solve or figure out the issue.
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Examples of usage
- He was baffled by the complicated instructions.
- The unexpected turn of events baffled everyone in the room.
device
A baffle can also refer to a device or barrier used to control the flow of a fluid, gas, or sound.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
baffle |
Use this word when you want to describe a situation where someone is totally confused or unable to understand something.
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barrier |
This word is useful when talking about physical objects or situations that impede progress or access.
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obstacle |
Use this word to describe something that stands in the way of progress, but typically not something that completely stops it, often implying that it can be overcome.
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block |
This word typically describes something that stops progress or prevents motion. It can refer to both physical and metaphorical situations.
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Examples of usage
- The baffle in the exhaust system helps reduce noise pollution.
- The baffle in the water tank prevents splashing.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Cognitive dissonance occurs when people encounter information that contradicts their beliefs, leading to a baffling experience.
- Research shows that puzzles can increase dopamine levels in the brain, creating a pleasurable form of confusion.
- Bafflement can trigger emotional responses such as frustration or curiosity, influencing how we learn and solve problems.
Pop Culture
- In movies and books, characters often become baffled when facing unexpected plot twists or mysterious situations.
- The TV game show 'Puzzle Master' is based on riddles that purposely baffle contestants to test their wits.
- The phrase 'baffle them with brilliance' suggests confusing opponents with unexpected cleverness.
Literature
- Authors like Agatha Christie have often used baffling plot twists to keep readers guessing until the final reveal.
- In poetry, ambiguous language can baffle readers, inviting them to interpret meanings in various ways.
- The use of irony in literature can leave readers in a state of bafflement regarding the author's true intentions.
Science
- In physics, the concept of quantum entanglement baffles even the brightest minds, challenging our understanding of reality.
- The duality of lightโacting as both a particle and a waveโbaffles scientists and has led to breakthrough discoveries.
- Natural phenomena, like the Bermuda Triangle, baffle researchers due to their mysterious and unexplained characteristics.
Origin of 'baffle'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the early 16th-century English term 'baff,' which meant to confuse or baffle.
- It may also relate to the old French word 'bafler,' meaning 'to blow' or 'to puff away,' suggesting a sense of perplexing movement.
- In the 19th century, 'baffle' started being used in slang to denote being fooled or tricked.
The word 'baffle' originated from the Middle French word 'bafouer', meaning to disgrace or cheat. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the idea of confusing or perplexing someone. The use of 'baffle' in the sense of a device or barrier can be traced back to the early 19th century, where it was used in engineering contexts to describe a component that controls the flow of fluids or sound.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #18,341, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 18338 unsettling
- 18339 saddled
- 18340 eczema
- 18341 baffle
- 18342 heretic
- 18343 docile
- 18344 ruthlessly
- ...