Conundrum: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
conundrum
[ kษหnสndrษm ]
puzzle
A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem or question that is tricky to solve.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
conundrum |
A difficult and confusing problem or question that is typically impossible to solve.
|
puzzle |
A problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge, often used for enjoyable challenges or games.
|
riddle |
A type of puzzle that consists of a question or statement to be solved, often used for fun or challenge.
|
mystery |
Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain, often used for unexplained phenomena or events.
|
Examples of usage
- The conundrum of how to fit all the pieces together kept him up all night.
- She pondered the conundrum for hours before finally coming up with a solution.
paradox
It can also refer to a paradoxical, intricate, or difficult situation.
Synonyms
dilemma, predicament, quandary.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
conundrum |
Use when referring to a puzzling question or a difficult problem that requires thought to solve.
|
dilemma |
Use when faced with a situation where a choice must be made between two difficult or unpleasant options.
|
quandary |
Use when describing a state of uncertainty or indecision, often about what to do in a difficult situation.
|
predicament |
Use when referring to an unpleasant or embarrassing situation that is difficult to get out of.
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Examples of usage
- The conundrum of trying to please everyone was proving to be impossible.
- The conundrum of the situation left them feeling conflicted.
Translations
Translations of the word "conundrum" in other languages:
๐ต๐น enigma
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเคนเฅเคฒเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Rรคtsel
๐ฎ๐ฉ teka-teki
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะฐะณะฐะดะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ zagadkะฐ
๐ฏ๐ต ่ฌ
๐ซ๐ท รฉnigme
๐ช๐ธ acertijo
๐น๐ท bilmece
๐ฐ๐ท ์์๊ป๋ผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุบุฒ
๐จ๐ฟ hรกdanka
๐ธ๐ฐ hรกdanka
๐จ๐ณ ่ฐ้ข (mรญ tรญ)
๐ธ๐ฎ uganka
๐ฎ๐ธ รพraut
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถาฑะผะฑะฐา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแชแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ tapmaca
๐ฒ๐ฝ acertijo
Etymology
The word 'conundrum' originated in the early 17th century from the Latin word 'conimbricus', meaning 'of Coniumbra'. It was initially used to describe a pun or a riddle, but over time, it evolved to refer to any intricate or puzzling problem. The term has since become a popular way to describe complex or perplexing situations.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #24,246, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
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- 24243 skidded
- 24244 telephonic
- 24245 expunged
- 24246 conundrum
- 24247 tweed
- 24248 procurator
- 24249 resurfacing
- ...