puzzled
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈpʌz.əld/
KK: /ˈpʌzəld/
adjective
Definition
Feeling confused or unable to understand something clearly.
Example
She looked puzzled when she saw the difficult math problem.
Conversation
I was reading that article you sent me, but I'm a bit puzzled by some of the points.
Yeah, some parts were really complicated, even for me.
I thought I understood it, but now I feel even more puzzled after trying to explain it to someone.
Let's go over it together; maybe we can figure it out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
baffled
bewildered
confounded
Antonyms
clear
certain
understood
verb
Definition
To be confused or unable to understand something clearly.
Example
She looked puzzled when she saw the complicated math problem.
Tense Forms
Past: puzzled
Past Participle: puzzled
Conversation
I was really puzzled by that riddle you sent me.
Right? It took me a while to figure it out too.
I thought I had the answer, but it just didn’t add up.
Root Explanation
Puzzled → The word 'puzzled' originates from the verb 'puzzle' (from Middle English *puzle*, meaning to confuse or perplex) combined with the suffix '-ed' (indicating a state or condition). The term 'puzzled' describes a state of being confused or perplexed.
Memory Tip
Think of being in a state of confusion or perplexity, which is what 'puzzled' means — you are in a condition of being puzzled.
Visually Confused Words
unpuzzle
bepuzzle