Puzzling: meaning, definitions and examples
🤔
puzzling
[ˈpʌzəlɪŋ ]
Definitions
in a mysterious way
Causing confusion or perplexity; difficult to understand or explain.
Synonyms
confusing, mysterious, perplexing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| puzzling |
Used when something is difficult to understand or solve, often creating curiosity or intrigue.
|
| perplexing |
Used when something is very confusing or difficult to understand, often causing someone to feel baffled or puzzled.
|
| confusing |
Applied when something causes confusion or is not clear, often leading to misunderstanding or uncertainty.
|
| mysterious |
Utilized when something is intentionally kept secret or is difficult to explain, often creating a sense of intrigue or suspense.
|
Examples of usage
- The puzzling disappearance of the treasure left everyone scratching their heads.
- Her behavior was quite puzzling, as she seemed to be hiding something.
- The puzzle was so puzzling that it took us hours to solve it.
in a challenging situation
To confuse or perplex someone; to be difficult to understand or solve.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| puzzling |
Used when describing something that is difficult to understand or solve, often a problem or situation.
|
| confuse |
Used broadly when someone or something causes a mix-up or makes understanding difficult, often resulting in uncertainty.
|
| baffle |
Commonly used to express a strong sense of confusion, often when someone is unable to figure something out despite trying.
|
| mystify |
Often used when describing something or someone that is very mysterious or causes wonder. The term can also carry a slightly magical or eerie connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- She puzzled over the riddle for hours before finally figuring it out.
- The mystery puzzled the detective as he tried to unravel the clues.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the 16th century and has connections to the word 'puzzle', which means to confuse or be uncertain.
- It originally referred to problems or riddles that required thought to solve.
Psychology
- Challenges that are puzzling can actually help improve our problem-solving skills and cognitive abilities.
- Facing difficult situations often engages the brain more actively, helping us develop new neural pathways.
Pop Culture
- Many mystery novels and films use puzzling plots to keep audiences guessing and engaged.
- Puzzle video games have gained popularity for their ability to challenge players and stimulate thinking.
Education
- Puzzling activities in classrooms, like brain teasers, encourage critical thinking and collaboration among students.
- Teachers often incorporate puzzles into lessons to make learning more interactive and enjoyable.
Art
- Artworks can be puzzling, prompting viewers to interpret meanings in their own unique ways.
- Artists like M.C. Escher create works that visually confuse and challenge perspectives, stimulating thought.
Translations
Translations of the word "puzzling" in other languages:
🇵🇹 intrigante
- desconcertante
- enigmático
🇮🇳 पहेलीपूर्ण
🇩🇪 rätselhaft
🇮🇩 membingungkan
🇺🇦 загадковий
🇵🇱 zagadkowy
🇯🇵 謎めいた (nazo-meita)
🇫🇷 mystérieux
🇪🇸 enigmático
🇹🇷 bilmece gibi
🇰🇷 수수께끼 같은 (susukkekki gateun)
🇸🇦 غامض
🇨🇿 záhadný
🇸🇰 záhadný
🇨🇳 令人费解的 (lìngrén fèijiě de)
🇸🇮 skrivnosten
🇮🇸 ráðgáta
🇰🇿 жұмбақ
🇬🇪 საიდუმლო
🇦🇿 sirli
🇲🇽 enigmático