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Maze Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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maze

[meษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

lost in a

A complex network of paths or passages, typically designed as a puzzle to be solved.

Synonyms

labyrinth, puzzle, tangle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
maze

A 'maze' often refers to a complex network of paths or passages where the goal is to find a way from the entrance to the exit. It can be used both literally, such as in garden mazes, or metaphorically to describe a complicated process or situation.

  • The children enjoyed running through the maze at the theme park.
  • Navigating the new city felt like going through a maze of streets.
labyrinth

A 'labyrinth' is traditionally seen as a complex and intricate structure, often with a single path leading to the center. It can be used in more formal or mythological contexts and often implies an introspective or spiritual journey.

  • The ancient myth of the Minotaur is set in a labyrinth.
  • She felt like she was on a journey through a labyrinth of her own thoughts.
puzzle

A 'puzzle' usually refers to a game, problem, or toy designed to test ingenuity or knowledge. It's used in contexts related to challenges that require thought and problem-solving skills.

  • He spent hours trying to solve the crossword puzzle.
  • The software upgrade presented a tricky puzzle for the tech team.
tangle

A 'tangle' describes a situation that is twisted, knotted, or complicated. It is often used with a slightly negative connotation to indicate confusion or disorder.

  • Her hair was in a tangle after a windy day at the beach.
  • The negotiations resulted in a legal tangle that took months to resolve.

Examples of usage

  • Exploring the maze of corridors in the old castle.
  • She felt like she was trapped in a maze of bureaucracy.
Context #2 | Verb

navigate through a

To move through a complex network of paths or passages, typically with difficulty.

Synonyms

meander, navigate, wander.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
maze

A complex network of paths or passages, often designed as a puzzle. It's typically referring to something artificial, like the labyrinth in a garden or a mental challenge.

  • The children had fun trying to find their way out of the corn maze.
  • Life can sometimes feel like a maze, with twists and turns at every corner.
navigate

Implies the act of planning and directing the course of a journey, typically used for traveling over water, through air, or complex systems. It can also metaphorically mean to find one's way through problems or tasks.

  • It took them a while to navigate through the dense forest.
  • She had to navigate the bureaucratic maze to get her permits approved.
wander

Indicates moving around without a specific purpose or direction. It can have a slightly aimless or lost connotation, sometimes implying a sense of daydreaming or distraction.

  • They loved to wander the streets of the old town, discovering hidden cafes.
  • His mind would often wander during long meetings.
meander

Suggests wandering at a slow pace with no specific destination in mind, often used to describe the way rivers wind or someone taking a leisurely walk.

  • We decided to meander through the park on a sunny afternoon.
  • The river meanders through the lush green valley.

Examples of usage

  • We had to maze our way through the crowded city streets.
  • She mazed her way through the overgrown jungle.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'maze' comes from the Old English 'mฤฤกas', meaning 'to confuse' or 'to lead astray'.
  • In ancient times, mazes were often built as protection; for example, the famous Labyrinth of Crete was designed to hold the Minotaur.
  • Mazes have appeared in various cultures, such as the intricate labyrinths in ancient Egypt used for ceremonial purposes.

Architecture

  • Mazes can be constructed from hedges or walls, with famous examples like the hedge maze at Hampton Court Palace in England.
  • Some mazes are so large they can be seen from the sky, like the corn mazes created each fall in North America.
  • Architects use maze-like designs in buildings to challenge visitors and encourage exploration, creating engaging experiences.

Psychology

  • Mazes are often used in psychological studies to understand navigation and decision-making in humans and animals.
  • Researchers use mazes to test memory and problem-solving skills, revealing how creatures learn to find their way.
  • The concept of a maze can symbolize lifeโ€™s complexities and the choices we navigate every day.

Literature

  • Mazes are popular in stories and literature, representing challenges that characters must overcome, such as in 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'.
  • The motif of a maze often appears in poetry, symbolizing confusion or a search for meaning.
  • Literary mazes can also depict internal struggles, mirroring the complexities of a character's emotions or thoughts.

Pop Culture

  • Video games often feature mazes as levels, challenging players to find exits while avoiding obstacles, like in classics of the arcade era.
  • The TV show 'The Amazing Race' includes challenges that often involve navigating through real-life mazes.
  • Mazes appear frequently in Halloween attractions and haunted houses, providing thrill-seekers with an adventurous experience.

Origin of 'maze'

The word 'maze' originated from Middle English 'maze' or 'masen', meaning delirium or bewilderment. It evolved to refer to a confusing network of paths or passages by the late 13th century. Mazes have been used for entertainment and meditation throughout history, with famous examples like the hedge mazes of European gardens.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,098, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.