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Flummox Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flummox

[ˈflʌməks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

confuse

To flummox someone is to confuse or perplex them. It can also mean to bewilder or confound. The term is often used to describe a situation where someone is completely puzzled or at a loss for what to do.

Synonyms

bewilder, confuse, perplex.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flummox

Suitable for informal contexts, especially when talking about situations that leave someone utterly baffled or perplexed. It's a casual way to express strong confusion.

  • The complex puzzle completely flummoxed me.
  • She was flummoxed by the unexpected turn of events.
confuse

Commonly used in everyday language, both formally and informally, to describe a state where one is unable to think clearly or lacks understanding.

  • The instructions were written in a way that completely confused me.
  • Her contradictory statements confused everyone at the meeting.
bewilder

Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a situation or information that causes someone to be deeply perplexed and unable to understand something.

  • The sudden appearance of the deer on the highway bewildered the drivers.
  • He was bewildered by the technical jargon in the manual.
perplex

Often used in formal contexts to describe being puzzled or confused, especially when facing complex questions or problems.

  • The scientist was perplexed by the unexpected results of the experiment.
  • His sudden change in behavior perplexed his friends and family.

Examples of usage

  • She was completely flummoxed by the complicated instructions.
  • The unexpected turn of events flummoxed everyone in the room.
Context #2 | Noun

puzzle

A flummox is a state of confusion or bewilderment. It can also refer to a situation or problem that is difficult to solve or understand. The term is often used in a light-hearted or humorous context.

Synonyms

enigma, mystery, puzzle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flummox

Used when someone is very confused and does not know how to react or what to do.

  • The unexpected turn of events completely flummoxed the seasoned detective.
  • She was flummoxed by the complex instructions.
puzzle

Implies something that confuses people, often a problem or question to be solved.

  • The puzzle of how to make the system more efficient took weeks to solve.
  • Crossword puzzles are a popular pastime for many.
mystery

Describes something that is not understood or known, often used in stories or situations that need to be solved.

  • The mystery of the missing jewels baffled everyone.
  • He loves reading mystery novels before bed.
enigma

Refers to a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

  • The ancient manuscript remains an enigma to researchers.
  • He is an enigma; no one can ever predict his next move.

Examples of usage

  • The riddle left them in a state of flummox.
  • Solving the puzzle proved to be a real flummox for the team.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'flummox'

The origin of the word 'flummox' is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century in the UK. It may have derived from a combination of various regional dialects. The word has since become popular in the English language, especially in informal and colloquial contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,728, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.