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Mystify: meaning, definitions and examples

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mystify

 

[ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

confuse

To mystify means to confuse or bewilder someone. It involves creating a sense of mystery or puzzlement. It can also refer to making something unclear or difficult to understand.

Synonyms

baffle, bewilder, confuse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mystify

Use when something is intentionally or intriguingly made difficult to understand.

  • The magician's tricks mystify the audience.
  • The complex science puzzle mystified the students.
confuse

Use in everyday situations when someone finds it hard to understand something or someone correctly.

  • The complicated map confused the tourists.
  • His vague directions confused me.
bewilder

Use when something causes someone to be very confused, often suddenly or by being too complicated.

  • The rapid changes in technology can bewilder older generations.
  • Her sudden decision to quit her job bewildered everyone.
baffle

Use when someone feels completely unable to understand something, often despite trying.

  • The unexpected result baffled the researchers.
  • The instructions on the new gadget baffled me.

Examples of usage

  • She was mystified by his sudden disappearance.
  • The magician's tricks never failed to mystify the audience.
  • The complicated instructions only served to mystify the students.
Context #2 | Verb

surprise

To mystify can also mean to surprise or astonish someone, often in a mysterious or magical way. It involves leaving someone in a state of wonder or awe.

Synonyms

amaze, astonish, surprise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mystify

Used when someone is confused or puzzled by something that they cannot understand. It often carries a sense of enigma or secrecy.

  • The magician's tricks mystify the audience.
  • The sudden disappearance of the documents mystifies the investigators.
surprise

Used when someone experiences an unexpected event or piece of information. It can be neutral, positive, or negative depending on the situation.

  • She had a surprise birthday party organized by her friends.
  • His early arrival at the meeting surprised everyone.
astonish

Used when someone is greatly surprised or impressed by something unexpected or remarkable. It can be both positive and negative.

  • His ability to speak five languages fluently astonished his friends.
  • The sudden turn of events astonished the entire nation.
amaze

Applied when someone is filled with wonder and admiration due to something impressive or extraordinary. It is a positive term.

  • The performance of the young pianist amazed everyone in the audience.
  • She was amazed by the stunning beauty of the Grand Canyon.

Examples of usage

  • The unexpected gift mystified her.
  • The illusionist's performance was designed to mystify the spectators.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'mystikos', meaning secret or hidden, often related to ancient rituals.
  • It evolved through Middle French and entered English in the early 19th century, highlighting its mysterious connotations.

Psychology

  • Cognitive psychologists study how the brain processes information when faced with puzzles or mysteries.
  • Mystification can trigger curiosity, leading to exploration and learning as individuals seek to clarify confusion.

Literature

  • In literature, authors use mystification to create suspense, often keeping readers guessing until the very end.
  • Mysterious characters or plots can engage readers and evoke emotional responses through uncertainty.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often include plots that mystify audiences, such as thrillers or fantasy adventures.
  • The character of Sherlock Holmes is known for mystifying clues and solving complex mysteries, captivating fans worldwide.

Science

  • In scientific research, mystification can occur when phenomena are not yet understood, driving inquiry and advancement.
  • The concept of quantum mechanics often mystifies even seasoned physicists, revealing the complexities of the universe.

Translations

Translations of the word "mystify" in other languages:

🇵🇹 misterioso

🇮🇳 रहस्यमय बनाना

🇩🇪 verrätseln

🇮🇩 membingungkan

🇺🇦 загадковий

🇵🇱 mystifikować

🇯🇵 神秘的にする

🇫🇷 mystifier

🇪🇸 misterioso

🇹🇷 gizemli kılmak

🇰🇷 신비롭게 만들다

🇸🇦 جعله غامضًا

🇨🇿 mystifikovat

🇸🇰 mystifikovať

🇨🇳 使神秘化

🇸🇮 mistificirati

🇮🇸 gera dularfullur

🇰🇿 жұмбақ ету

🇬🇪 საიდუმლო გახადა

🇦🇿 mistikləşdirmək

🇲🇽 misterioso

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,484 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.