riddle — A puzzling question or problem that requires clever thinking to solve. A mysterious or confusing situation.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A puzzling question or problem that requires clever thinking to solve. A mysterious or confusing situation.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈrɪdəl/
Example Sentences
- The Sphinx asked travelers a deadly riddle before letting them pass.
- My dad's jokes are like riddles - nobody gets them except him.
- The old building was riddled with so many holes, it looked like Swiss cheese.
riddle
NOUN[/ˈrɪdəl/]
A puzzling question or problem that requires clever thinking to solve. A mysterious or confusing situation.
A puzzling question or problem that requires clever thinking to solve. A mysterious or confusing situation.
In the middle of a riddle, he plays the fiddle!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'rǣdelse' meaning 'advice' or 'interpretation,' derived from 'rǣdan' meaning 'to advise' or 'to interpret.' The word evolved to mean a puzzling question during medieval times when riddle contests were popular entertainment in royal courts.
Breakdown
rǣd- (to advise/interpret) + -else (noun suffix indicating action or result)
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“The Sphinx asked travelers a deadly riddle before letting them pass.”
“My dad's jokes are like riddles - nobody gets them except him.”
“The old building was riddled with so many holes, it looked like Swiss cheese.”
“Her explanation was a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.