bewildered
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /bɪˈwɪləd/
KK: /bɪˈwɪl.dərd/
adjective
Definition
Feeling confused or puzzled about something.
Example
She looked bewildered when she heard the unexpected news.
Conversation
I was bewildered by the ending of that movie.
I know, right? It left so many questions unanswered.
Exactly! I just sat there feeling completely lost.
Same here! I really wanted a clearer conclusion.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
confused
puzzled
baffled
Antonyms
certain
clear
understood
verb
Definition
To be confused or puzzled by something, often feeling lost or unsure about what to do.
Example
She looked bewildered when she saw the unexpected news.
Tense Forms
Past: bewildered
Past Participle: bewildered
Conversation
I was so bewildered by the puzzle yesterday.
Really? I thought it looked easy at first.
Yeah, I couldn't figure out where to start at all!
Root Explanation
Bewildered is formed from the prefix 'be-' (meaning to cause to be) and 'wilder' (from Old English 'wildor', meaning wild or untamed). The word describes a state of being caused to be in a wild or confused state, hence feeling perplexed or lost.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'caused to be' ('be-') in a 'wild' state ('wilder') — that’s why bewildered means feeling confused or lost.
Visually Confused Words
unbewildered
wilderedly
unbewilder
bewaitered
beledgered