addled
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈæd.əld/
KK: /ˈædld/
adjective
Definition
Confused or unable to think clearly; mixed up.
Example
After the long meeting, my thoughts were addled and I couldn't focus on my work.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more addled
Superlative: most addled
Conversation
I felt so addled after that long meeting yesterday.
I know what you mean; it was all over the place!
Exactly! By the end, I couldn't remember anything clearly.
Yeah, it really left us all feeling a bit confused.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
confused
mixed
bewildered
Antonyms
clear
certain
composed
verb
Definition
To confuse or make unable to think clearly.
Example
The complicated instructions addled my brain, leaving me unsure of what to do next.
Tense Forms
Past: addled
Past Participle: addled
Conversation
I really addled my mind trying to solve that puzzle last night.
Yeah? I heard it was a tough one.
I just couldn't focus at all; my thoughts were all over the place.
Root Explanation
Addled originates from the Old English 'adled', meaning confused or muddled. The word describes a state of being mixed up or unable to think clearly.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'confused' or 'muddled' — that's what addled means.
Visually Confused Words
saddled
paddled
added
saddle
raddle
paddle
maddle
gadded