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Bewildering: meaning, definitions and examples

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bewildering

 

[bɪˈwɪldərɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Causing someone to be completely baffled or puzzled.

Synonyms

confusing, perplexing, puzzling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bewildering

Used when something is extremely confusing or difficult to understand due to its complexity or a large amount of information.

  • The number of choices at the supermarket was bewildering
  • The instructions for assembling the furniture can be quite bewildering
confusing

Applied when something is hard to understand or unclear, often because it's poorly explained or inherently complex.

  • Her explanation of the math problem was confusing
  • The map was so confusing that we ended up getting lost
puzzling

Used when something is mysterious or difficult to understand, causing one to think or puzzle over it.

  • It is puzzling how she managed to solve the problem so quickly
  • The sudden disappearance of the documents was puzzling
perplexing

Used when something feels difficult to understand or solve, and it often implies a sense of being puzzled or baffled.

  • The detective found the case perplexing because there were no clear clues
  • His behavior was perplexing to everyone who knew him

Examples of usage

  • It was a bewildering experience trying to navigate through the maze-like streets of the old city.
  • The instructions were so bewildering that I had to ask for clarification multiple times.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To cause someone to become confused or puzzled.

Synonyms

baffle, bewilder, confound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bewildering

Used to describe something that causes confusion or is very difficult to understand. It often implies that the complexity or unexpected nature of something affects a person's ability to think clearly.

  • The instructions for assembling the furniture were so bewildering that I had to call customer support.
  • The layout of the new city was bewildering, and we got lost several times.
confound

Used when something causes confusion or surprise, often by acting against expectations or logical reasoning. It is stronger than 'baffle' and can convey shock or astonishment.

  • The scientist's new findings confounded the established theories in the field.
  • The sudden turn of events confounded everyone who had been following the story.
baffle

This verb is commonly used when someone or something completely puzzles or perplexes a person. It often implies a sense of frustration or being stumped.

  • The magician's tricks completely baffle the audience every time.
  • Her sudden change in behavior baffles everyone at the office.
bewilder

A verb that highlights causing someone to become very confused. It often suggests that the confusion is due to something unexpected or difficult to understand.

  • The rapid changes in the project plans tended to bewilder new team members.
  • The student's strange question managed to bewilder the teacher.

Examples of usage

  • The magician's tricks bewildered the audience.
  • The complexity of the situation bewildered even the most experienced detectives.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the combination of 'be' and 'wilder', where 'wilder' means to make wild or maniacal.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the late 17th century, showing how people felt overwhelmed by complicated situations.
  • The original form suggested a sense of being led astray or thrown into a state of confusion.

Psychology

  • Experiencing bewilderment often activates the brain's problem-solving areas, as seeking clarity in confusion engages cognitive functions.
  • It can be a natural response when confronted with new experiences that challenge one's understanding or expectations.
  • Studies suggest that bewildering challenges can lead to personal growth and resilience, enhancing one's ability to adapt.

Literature

  • Many authors use bewildering circumstances to convey a character's inner turmoil, adding depth to their emotional journey.
  • In classic literature, 'bewildering' moments often signal turning points for characters, forcing them to confront their beliefs.
  • Poets frequently employ the term to describe nature's unpredictable elements, reflecting the chaos and beauty of life.

Pop Culture

  • In film and television, bewildering plot twists keep audiences guessing, often creating memorable moments in storytelling.
  • Many musicians convey feelings of bewilderment in lyrics, highlighting confusion in relationships or life's unpredictability.
  • Reality shows often feature bewildering challenges, testing participants' wits and adaptability in perplexing situations.

Education

  • Educators may purposefully create bewildering scenarios to encourage critical thinking and creative problem-solving in students.
  • Experiencing bewilderment in learning can trigger curiosity, prompting deeper exploration of subjects.
  • The 'bewildering effect' can sometimes lead to breakthroughs in understanding, as it forces learners to reconsider their assumptions.

Translations

Translations of the word "bewildering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desconcertante

🇮🇳 भ्रमित करने वाला

🇩🇪 verwirrend

🇮🇩 membingungkan

🇺🇦 збиваючий з пантелику

🇵🇱 dezorientujący

🇯🇵 当惑させる

🇫🇷 déroutant

🇪🇸 desconcertante

🇹🇷 şaşırtıcı

🇰🇷 당황스러운

🇸🇦 مربك

🇨🇿 matoucí

🇸🇰 mätúci

🇨🇳 令人困惑的

🇸🇮 zmedeno

🇮🇸 ruglingslegt

🇰🇿 шатастыратын

🇬🇪 დაბნეული

🇦🇿 çaşdırıcı

🇲🇽 desconcertante

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,633, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.