Puzzling: meaning, definitions and examples

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puzzling

 

[ ˈpʌzəlɪŋ ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

in a mysterious way

Causing confusion or perplexity; difficult to understand or explain.

Synonyms

confusing, mysterious, perplexing

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.
Context #2 | Verb

in a challenging situation

To confuse or perplex someone; to be difficult to understand or solve.

Synonyms

baffle, confuse, mystify

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

Translations of the word "puzzling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intrigante

🇮🇳 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

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,964, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.