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Baffled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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baffled

[ˈbæfəld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling confused or puzzled

Baffled is an adjective that describes the state of being completely perplexed or mystified. It is the feeling of being unable to understand or explain something. People may feel baffled when faced with a complex problem or a situation that defies easy explanation.

Synonyms

bewildered, confused, mystified, perplexed.

Examples of usage

  • I was completely baffled by the magician's trick.
  • She looked at me with a baffled expression, unsure of what to do next.
  • The instructions were so vague that I was left feeling utterly baffled.
  • I could see the baffled look on his face as he tried to make sense of the situation.
Context #2 | Verb

to confuse or puzzle someone

Baffled can also be used as a verb to describe the action of causing someone to feel confused or puzzled. It is the act of making something unclear or difficult to understand. People may be baffled by a complex riddle or a series of contradictory statements.

Synonyms

bewilder, confuse, perplex, puzzle.

Examples of usage

  • The cryptic message baffled codebreakers for years.
  • Her response only served to further baffle the detectives investigating the case.
  • I was baffled by his sudden change in behavior.
  • The scientist's findings baffled the entire research community.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being baffled engages the brain's problem-solving areas, encouraging critical thinking and reflection.
  • Surprisingly, feeling confused can lead to creativity, as it forces people to explore new perspectives.
  • Research shows that confusion is often a precursor to deeper understanding, pushing individuals to seek clarity.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, characters often experience bafflement as a driving force for their development.
  • Mystery novels keep readers engaged by culminating in baffling twists that require extra thought to untangle.
  • Popular game shows frequently exploit situations that leave contestants baffled to create drama and suspense.

Education

  • Teachers often see bafflement as an indicator that students are encountering challenging material, a sign of growth.
  • Discussing baffling concepts can lead to collaborative learning, as peers help each other find solutions.
  • In educational settings, being baffled can encourage curiosity and resilience, essential traits for learning.

Literature

  • Classic literature often uses characters' bafflement as a narrative device to convey existential themes.
  • Authors like Shakespeare employed baffling plots and wordplay to engage readers' minds, sparking analysis.
  • In poetry, feelings of being baffled can express the complexity of human emotions and experiences.

Origin of 'baffled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'bæf' meaning 'to confuse' or 'to disappoint'.
  • It evolved in the 17th century, gaining a stronger connotation of perplexity over time.
  • The term is believed to be related to the word 'baff', which means to thwart or defeat an expectation.

The word 'baffled' originated from the Middle English word 'bawflen,' which means to disgrace or treat with contempt. Over time, the meaning shifted to convey the sense of being confused or perplexed. The term has been in use since the 15th century and has evolved to symbolize a state of bewilderment or puzzlement.

See also: baffling.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,482, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.