Puzzling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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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.
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| perplexing |
Used when something is very confusing or difficult to understand, often causing someone to feel baffled or puzzled.
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| confusing |
Applied when something causes confusion or is not clear, often leading to misunderstanding or uncertainty.
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| mysterious |
Utilized when something is intentionally kept secret or is difficult to explain, often creating a sense of intrigue or suspense.
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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.
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| confuse |
Used broadly when someone or something causes a mix-up or makes understanding difficult, often resulting in uncertainty.
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| baffle |
Commonly used to express a strong sense of confusion, often when someone is unable to figure something out despite trying.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'puzzling'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'puzzling' originated from the verb 'puzzle', which came into English in the late 16th century. It is derived from the Old French word 'pusle', meaning 'bewilder, confound'. The adjective form 'puzzling' emerged in the early 19th century, capturing the essence of causing confusion or perplexity.
See also: puzzled, puzzledly, puzzlement, puzzler, puzzlingly.