Bewilder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bewilder
[bɪˈwɪldər ]
Definitions
confuse
To bewilder means to confuse or puzzle someone completely. It implies a state of being perplexed or disoriented, often due to complexity or a lack of understanding.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She was bewildered by the sudden turn of events.
- The instructions were so confusing that they only served to bewilder the students further.
state of confusion
Bewilder can also be used as a noun to describe a state of confusion or disorientation.
Examples of usage
- He found himself in a state of bewilder after getting lost in the unfamiliar city.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling bewildered can trigger anxiety as the mind struggles to process unexpected situations.
- Research shows that too many choices can lead to a state of bewilderment commonly known as 'choice overload.'
- Cognitive dissonance, when beliefs contradict experiences, often leaves individuals feeling bewildered.
Literature
- Classic literature often employs bewilderment to reveal a character's inner turmoil, reflecting their struggle with complex emotions.
- Authors like Kafka and Lewis Carroll have skillfully used bewilderment in their works to challenge readers' perceptions of reality.
- In children's stories, bewilderment is frequently portrayed through characters facing strange or magical situations, enhancing the sense of adventure.
Pop Culture
- The feeling of bewilderment is a common theme in movies where characters find themselves in bizarre or unfamiliar worlds, like in 'Alice in Wonderland.'
- Many songs capture feelings of confusion, using the concept of being lost or bewildered as metaphors for relationship struggles.
- Magical realism in films often leaves audiences bewildered, blending the normal with the extraordinary.
Education
- Teachers often find students bewildered when introducing new and complex topics, highlighting the importance of clear explanations.
- Group discussions can sometimes bewilder participants, especially if opinions are widely differing, making it essential to facilitate dialogue.
- Understanding how bewilderment works can help educators create strategies to guide students through challenging concepts.
Origin of 'bewilder'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'bewilder' comes from the prefix 'be-' meaning to make or cause, and 'wilder,' which is related to wild or confusing.
- It first appeared in the early 17th century, originally meaning to lead into the wild.
- Over time, 'bewilder' evolved to refer to a state of confusion rather than being physically lost.
The word 'bewilder' originated from the combination of 'be-' and 'wilder,' which meant to lead astray or cause confusion. It has been in use since the 17th century to describe the act of confusing or puzzling someone.
See also: bewildered, bewilderedly, bewildering, bewilderingly, bewilderment.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #31,867 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 31864 fondle
- 31865 privatizing
- 31866 elided
- 31867 bewilder
- 31868 scourging
- 31869 condemnatory
- 31870 adsorbing
- ...