Definition

Confused or unable to think clearly; eccentric or silly in behavior.

Example

After staying up all night studying, I felt completely addlepated during the exam.

Conversation

I just read this article about an addlepated artist who paints with spaghetti.

That sounds hilarious! What do they say about their work?

They claim it’s a unique expression of creativity, but honestly, it looks pretty chaotic and addlepated to me.

I can imagine! Sometimes those eccentric ideas really miss the mark.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Addlepated is formed from "addle" (from Old English *ædlan*, meaning to confuse or make foolish) and "pated" (from the word 'pate', meaning head). The term describes someone who is confused or foolish in their thinking, as if their head is muddled.

Memory Tip

Think of someone whose head is 'confused' ('addle') — that's why 'addlepated' means being confused or foolish.

Visually Confused Words