Puzzlement: meaning, definitions and examples

Puzzlement is used when someone is mildly confused but curious or intrigued. It often involves a sense of wanting to understand something that isn’t immediately clear.

• She looked at the strange gadget with puzzlement.
• His puzzlement grew as he listened to the complicated instructions.

Confusion is a general term used to describe a state of not understanding something or being mixed up mentally. It can be mild or severe and is very versatile in usage.

• There was confusion about the meeting time.
• Her explanation only added to my confusion.

Perplexity indicates a state of very great confusion, where the person is puzzled and unsure how to react or understand. It often conveys more intellectual or complex situations.

• The complex puzzle filled him with perplexity.
• The scientist's theory left many in a state of perplexity.

Bewilderment describes a state of extreme confusion, often involving surprise or shock. It suggests that the person is completely at a loss to understand what is happening.

• He stared at the unexpected results in bewilderment.
• Her sudden departure left him in a state of bewilderment.