Bewildered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bewildered
[bɪˈwɪldərd ]
Definition
feeling or showing a mixture of fear, surprise, and confusion
If you are bewildered, you feel completely confused and cannot understand something. It is a state of being lost and perplexed, often due to being overwhelmed by something unexpected or unfamiliar.
Synonyms
baffled, confused, flustered, perplexed, puzzled.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bewildered |
Used when someone is completely lost or very confused and doesn't know what to do next.
|
| confused |
A general term used when someone doesn't understand something or finds it hard to think clearly.
|
| puzzled |
Used when someone is confused because they cannot understand or explain something.
|
| perplexed |
Used when someone is puzzled or completely confused by something strange or difficult.
|
| baffled |
Used when someone is extremely confused and unable to understand something, despite effort.
|
| flustered |
Used when someone is nervous or agitated, especially because of a lot of things happening at once.
|
Examples of usage
- I was bewildered by the sudden turn of events.
- She looked bewildered as she tried to make sense of the instructions.
- The complex instructions left the students feeling bewildered.
- We were all left bewildered by the mysterious circumstances.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'bewildered'
The word 'bewildered' originated from the Old English word 'bewildrian', which means 'to lead astray, confuse'. It has been used in the English language since the 17th century. The prefix 'be-' intensifies the meaning of 'wild', emphasizing the state of being lost in a wild or confusing situation.
See also: bewilder, bewilderedly, bewildering, bewilderingly, bewilderment.