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muddle

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈmʌdəl/

KK: /ˈmʌdəl/

intransitive verb
Definition

To behave or think in a confused way without a clear direction.


Example

He tends to muddle when he is under pressure.


Tense Forms

Past: muddled

Past Participle: muddled


Conversation
Sloth A
I feel like I've been muddleing through my studies lately.
Sloth B
Yeah, it can be tough to stay focused sometimes.
Sloth A
I just can't seem to find a good study routine.
Sloth B
Maybe try breaking it into smaller tasks to avoid getting muddled.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fumble
flounder
bungle
Antonyms
succeed
thrive
excel
noun
Definition

A situation that is disorganized or confused, often resulting in a mess or chaos.


Example

After the party, the living room was in a complete muddle with clothes and dishes everywhere.


Conversation
Sloth A
I can't believe how much of a muddle my room is right now.
Sloth B
It looks like you’ve been busy!
Sloth A
Yeah, I need to clean it up before I can find anything.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To confuse someone or something, making it difficult to think clearly or understand.


Example

The instructions were so complicated that they only served to muddle the students further.


Tense Forms

Past: muddled

Past Participle: muddled


Conversation
Sloth A
I really muddle my thoughts when I'm tired.
Sloth B
I totally get that; a good night's sleep can help clear things up.
Sloth A
Yeah, I sometimes find it hard to focus when my mind is all a mess.
Root Explanation

Muddle → This word originates from Middle English *moddle*, meaning to mix or stir up. It describes the act of mixing things in a confused or disordered way.

Memory Tip

Imagine mixing things up in a confused manner — that's what muddle means.

Visually Confused Words
unmuddle
bemuddle
suddle
ruddle
puddle
nuddle
mundle
middle
Is this page helpful?
Totally! A clean space always helps clear my mind.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
jumble
mess
tangle
Antonyms
order
clarity
organization
Sloth B
Maybe try jotting down your ideas first; it could help prevent the muddle.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
confuse
jumble
mix
Antonyms
clarify
order
organize