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Puzzling - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Puzzling means confusing or difficult to understand, often causing someone to think hard to find an answer or solution. It describes situations, questions, or behavior that are unclear or mysterious.

puzzling

/ˈpʌz.lɪŋ/ /ˈpʌz.lɪŋ/

Definition:

Difficult to understand or explain; confusing.

Synonyms:

perplexing, baffling, confusing, mysterious, enigmatic

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

clear, obvious, straightforward

Common Collocations:

puzzling question, puzzling behavior, puzzling situation, puzzling mystery

Derivatives:

puzzled, puzzlement, puzzler

Usage Tips:

Use "puzzling" to describe something that is hard to figure out or doesn’t make immediate sense.

Common Phrases:

puzzling over something, a puzzling turn of events, the puzzle pieces fit together

Etymology:

Derived from "puzzle," from Middle English "puselen," meaning to confuse or bewilder.

Examples:

  • 1. The results of the experiment were puzzling to the scientists.
  • 2. She gave him a puzzling look when he mentioned the strange noise.
  • 3. The instructions were so puzzling that no one could follow them.
  • 4. His sudden disappearance remains a puzzling mystery to this day.

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