Meaning & Definition of word "Puzzling"
to
Puzzling
/ˈpʌz.lɪŋ/
noun:
- 1. A situation or problem that is difficult to understand or solve.
- Example: The disappearance of the historical artifact remains a puzzling mystery.
adjective:
- 1. Causing confusion or uncertainty; difficult to understand or solve.
- Example: The scientist presented a puzzling theory that left everyone in the room bewildered.
- 2. Involving a riddle or enigma; intriguing.
- Example: The puzzling clues led the detective on a long chase.
- 3. Making one think hard about something; requiring thought to comprehend.
- Example: The artist's abstract work was puzzling to many viewers.
Etymology
Derived from the verb 'puzzle', which comes from the Middle English 'pusle' meaning to confuse.
Common Phrases and Expressions
puzzle out:
To find a solution through thoughtful effort.
a puzzling question:
A question that is difficult to answer.
puzzle someone:
To confuse someone or make them uncertain.
Related Words
puzzle:
A game or problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge.
enigmatic:
Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.
mystery:
Something that is difficult to understand or explain.
Slang Meanings of puzzling
Meaning: Mind-boggling
Example Sentence: The movie's plot was so mind-boggling, I couldn't keep up.
Meaning: Head-scratcher
Example Sentence: That problem was a real head-scratcher; I spent hours on it.