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Bafflement: meaning, definitions and examples

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bafflement

 

[ ˈbaf(ə)lmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

state of confusion

Bafflement refers to a state of bewilderment or perplexity. It denotes a feeling of being completely puzzled or confused, often in situations where one cannot find a clear solution or understanding. This term often arises in scenarios involving complex problems or unexpected outcomes that leave individuals feeling stumped. The sensation of bafflement can be both frustrating and intriguing, motivating deeper investigation or thought.

Synonyms

bewilderment, confusion, perplexity, puzzlement, stupefaction

Examples of usage

  • She looked at the complicated math problem with utter bafflement.
  • His bafflement at the sudden changes was evident.
  • In her bafflement, she turned to her friends for advice.

Translations

Translations of the word "bafflement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confusão

🇮🇳 भ्रम

🇩🇪 Verwirrung

🇮🇩 kebingungan

🇺🇦 заплутаність

🇵🇱 zakłopotanie

🇯🇵 困惑

🇫🇷 confusion

🇪🇸 confusión

🇹🇷 şaşkınlık

🇰🇷 혼란

🇸🇦 ارتباك

🇨🇿 zmatení

🇸🇰 zmätenosť

🇨🇳 困惑

🇸🇮 zmedeno

🇮🇸 ruglingur

🇰🇿 бұлыңғырлық

🇬🇪 ბუნდოვანება

🇦🇿 şaşqınlıq

🇲🇽 confusión

Etymology

The word 'bafflement' originates from the verb 'baffle', which traces its roots back to the early 17th century, derived from the word 'baffle' meaning 'to confuse or frustrate.' The exact origin of 'baffle' is somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to come from the Middle English term 'bafflen,' which meant 'to speak or say in a confused manner.' Over the years, 'baffle' has evolved in usage, and the noun form 'bafflement' emerged to specifically describe the state of being baffled. This evolution reflects not only the linguistic changes but also the human experiences of confusion and uncertainty in complex situations. The development of 'bafflement' as a distinct noun showcases our inclination to articulate specific feelings and states of mind related to confusion and intellectual difficulty.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,089, 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.