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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Puzzled

ˈpəz(ə)ld
Common
~ 3600
~ 3600, Common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Confused or unable to understand something, Showing uncertainty or doubt, Perplexed or bewildered

Puzzled - Meanings

Confused or unable to understand something

Example: She looked puzzled by the complex instructions.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings
Note: Often used in situations where someone is trying to comprehend a difficult concept or problem.

Showing uncertainty or doubt

Example: His puzzled expression suggested he was unsure about the decision.
Usage: formalContext: business meetings or interviews
Note: Can indicate a lack of clarity or hesitation in a serious conversation.

Perplexed or bewildered

Example: The mysterious disappearance left the detectives puzzled.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations or storytelling
Note: Used to describe a state of confusion or bewilderment in a less formal setting.

Puzzled's synonyms

confused

Confused means to be unable to think clearly or understand something.
Example: She was confused by the conflicting instructions.
Note: Confused can imply a state of disorientation or lack of clarity in understanding, while puzzled often suggests being perplexed or unable to find a solution.

Puzzled expressions, common phrases

Baffled

Baffled means to be totally confused or puzzled by something.
Example: I was completely baffled by her decision to quit her job.
Note: Baffled is often used to describe a higher level of confusion or bewilderment compared to puzzled.

Perplexed

Perplexed means to be puzzled or confused and unable to understand something.
Example: He looked perplexed when he couldn't find his keys.
Note: Perplexed implies a deeper sense of confusion or bewilderment than simply being puzzled.

Bewildered

Bewildered means to be extremely confused or puzzled to the point of being lost or disoriented.
Example: The instructions were so complex that I was left bewildered.
Note: Bewildered conveys a stronger sense of being overwhelmed by confusion than puzzled.

Confounded

Confounded means to be confused, surprised, or amazed by something unexpected or difficult to understand.
Example: I was confounded by the sudden change in his behavior.
Note: Confounded suggests a mixture of astonishment and confusion, going beyond the simple state of being puzzled.

Mystified

Mystified means to be completely puzzled or bewildered by something that is mysterious or unexplainable.
Example: The disappearance of the treasure mystified the entire town.
Note: Mystified emphasizes a sense of wonder or intrigue in addition to being puzzled.

Nonplussed

Nonplussed means to be so surprised or confused that one is unsure how to react or respond.
Example: She was nonplussed by the unexpected turn of events.
Note: Nonplussed conveys a state of being puzzled to the extent of being uncertain or at a loss for words or actions.

Flummoxed

Flummoxed means to be utterly bewildered or perplexed by something that is highly confusing or difficult to understand.
Example: The complex riddle left me completely flummoxed.
Note: Flummoxed suggests a sense of being completely at a loss or stumped, more intense than feeling puzzled.

Puzzled everyday (slang) expressions

Stumped

Stumped means to be unable to solve or understand something. It originated from the act of being unable to move forward due to a tree stump blocking the way.
Example: I'm stumped by this riddle. I can't figure it out.
Note: Stumped is more informal and often used in casual conversation compared to puzzled.

Boggled

To be boggled means to be thoroughly confused or astonished by something beyond comprehension.
Example: The complexity of the issue boggled my mind.
Note: Boggled implies a sense of being overwhelmed or amazed in addition to being confused, which is stronger than puzzled.

Rattled

Rattled refers to feeling agitated, confused, or disturbed by a situation or someone's behavior.
Example: Her unexpected reaction left me rattled for hours.
Note: Rattled carries a connotation of being emotionally shaken or disturbed, which goes beyond the mere confusion of being puzzled.

Befuddled

To be befuddled is to be confused or perplexed, usually due to a lack of clarity or coherence in a situation or explanation.
Example: His vague explanation left me completely befuddled.
Note: Befuddled emphasizes the state of being completely perplexed or muddled, suggesting a deeper level of confusion than simply being puzzled.

Muddled

Muddled implies a confused or disordered state, often due to a lack of clarity or coherence.
Example: The instructions were so muddled that no one could follow them.
Note: Muddled suggests a state of confusion that may result from a chaotic or unclear situation, differing slightly from the general sense of being puzzled.

Frazzled

Frazzled describes feeling mentally exhausted, worn out, or emotionally drained due to dealing with a challenging or confusing situation.
Example: After trying to solve the problem all day, I was completely frazzled.
Note: Frazzled conveys a sense of being mentally worn down by a perplexing situation, indicating more than just simple confusion.

Addled

To be addled means to be confused, mixed up, or muddled in one's thinking or understanding.
Example: His contradictory statements left me feeling addled.
Note: Addled often carries a sense of being mentally impaired or unclear in one's thoughts, moving beyond the typical state of being puzzled.

Puzzled - Examples

I was puzzled by his strange behavior.
She looked puzzled when I asked her the question.
The instructions were so confusing that I was completely puzzled.

Puzzled grammar

Puzzled - Verb (Verb) / Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense)
Lemma: puzzle
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): puzzles
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): puzzle
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): puzzled
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): puzzling
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): puzzles
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): puzzle
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): puzzle
Syllables, Separation and Stress
puzzled Contains 2 syllables: puz • zle
Phonetic transcription: ˈpə-zəl
puz zle , ˈpə zəl (The red syllable is stressed)

Puzzled - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
puzzled: ~ 3600 (Common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.