Bewilder Meaning and Definition
Bewilder
Pronunciation
/biˈwɪldər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A complex or confusing situation, confusing a person to the point of puzzlement or disorientation.
Examples
- The plot of the novel is so bewildering that it’s hard to keep track of the characters.
- The city’s labyrinthine streets can be bewildering for visitors.
Synonyms
- Puzzle
- Perplex
Antonyms
- Certain
- Clear
Etymology
The word “Bewilder” originated from the Old English words “bewillan” meaning “to mislead” and “wild” meaning “confused” or ” disorderly”.
Usage Notes
Bewilder is often used to describe situations where a person is lost, confused, or disoriented. It can also be used to describe complex or intricate situations that are difficult to understand.
Cultural References
Bewilder has been used in various forms of media, including literature and film. One notable example is the novel “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson, where the protagonist is faced with a complex and bewildering mystery.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Bewildered by the jungle of paperwork” – This phrase uses Bewilder to describe a situation where someone is overwhelmed by an excessive amount of paperwork.
Related Words or Phrases
Disorient, Confuse, Perplex, Puzzle
Collocations
Bewilder something or someone – to confuse or disorient something or someone. For example: “The complex calculations bewildered the engineer.”
Frequency of Use
Bewilder is used relatively infrequently in everyday conversation, but it can be used effectively to describe complex or confusing situations.
Common Misspellings
Bewilder is often misspelled as “Gerbera” or “Bewilderer”.