The word “bewildered” is one that is often used to describe a state of confusion or disorientation. It is a word that can be applied to a wide range of situations, from feeling lost in a new city to struggling to understand a complex concept. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bewildered, as well as its origins and associations.
Definitions
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bewildered is defined as “puzzled or confused, especially by something complicated or unaccountable.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “deeply or utterly confused or perplexed.” Other definitions include “disoriented,” “dazed,” and “unable to think clearly.”
Origin
The word bewildered comes from the Old English word “bewildrian,” which means “to lead astray.” Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to its current definition of being confused or perplexed.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Different dictionaries offer slightly different definitions of bewildered. For example, the Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “completely confused,” while the Collins Dictionary defines it as “perplexed and confused.”
Associations
Bewilderment is often associated with feelings of uncertainty, confusion, and disorientation. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as encountering a new and unfamiliar situation, facing a difficult problem, or experiencing a sudden change.
Synonyms
Synonyms of bewildered include confused, disoriented, dazed, perplexed, and puzzled. These words are often used interchangeably with bewildered, depending on the context.
Antonyms
Antonyms of bewildered include clearheaded, focused, oriented, and certain. These words describe a state of being in which one is not confused or disoriented.
The same root words
Words with the same root as bewildered include “wild,” “wilderness,” and “wildfire.” These words all stem from the Old English word “wilde,” which means “untamed” or “uncontrolled.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word bewildered:
- “I was completely bewildered by the instructions.”
- “She looked bewildered when I asked her the question.”
- “The sudden change in plans left me feeling bewildered.”
- “He was so bewildered by the situation that he didn’t know what to do.”
- “The complexity of the problem left me feeling bewildered and frustrated.”