bafflement — a feeling of being completely confused or puzzled
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a feeling of being completely confused or puzzled
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbæf.əl.mənt/
Example Sentences
- The magician watched with bafflement as his rabbit disappeared for real and never came back.
- My grandmother's bafflement at smartphones is both adorable and concerning.
- The detective's bafflement grew as each clue led to more questions.
bafflement
NOUN[/ˈbæf.əl.mənt/]
a feeling of being completely confused or puzzled
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from 16th-century Scots 'baffle', meaning to confuse or perplex. Originally, it described a nautical situation where ships lost their bearing due to wind, later extending metaphorically to mental confusion or bewilderment.
Breakdown
baffle (to confuse, perplex) + -ment (suffix forming nouns denoting a state or condition). The base verb 'baffle' likely has obscure origins, possibly connected to maritime terminology in Middle Scots.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The magician watched with bafflement as his rabbit disappeared for real and never came back.”
“My grandmother's bafflement at smartphones is both adorable and concerning.”
“The detective's bafflement grew as each clue led to more questions.”
“There was general bafflement when the CEO announced we'd all get pet unicorns.”
📚Related Words
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