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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
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Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

 Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.​​

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puzzle

IPA:

How to pronounce puzzle (audio)

Dictionary definition of puzzle

A game, toy, or activity that challenges and stimulates the mind, typically involving problem-solving, logical reasoning, or spatial manipulation.
"The puzzle game kept him entertained during the long flight."

Detailed meaning of puzzle

Puzzles come in various forms and formats, such as jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, word puzzles, riddles, brain teasers, and mathematical puzzles. They are designed to engage individuals in a task that requires mental effort and creative thinking to arrive at a solution or uncover hidden patterns. Puzzles often present a problem or a set of clues that need to be deciphered or arranged correctly to reach the desired outcome. They can be a source of entertainment, relaxation, and intellectual stimulation. Completing a puzzle often brings a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as one overcomes challenges and discovers solutions. Puzzles are widely enjoyed by people of all ages, and they serve as a means to enhance cognitive skills, memory, and problem-solving abilities. The noun "puzzle" encapsulates the concept of a mentally engaging activity that requires individuals to apply their intelligence, reasoning, and creativity to unravel and resolve a challenge or mystery.

Example sentences containing puzzle

1. She spent hours working on a challenging jigsaw puzzle.
2. The crossword puzzle in the newspaper was particularly difficult today.
3. Solving math puzzles helps improve logical thinking skills.
4. The puzzle pieces fit together perfectly, revealing a beautiful picture.
5. He enjoyed solving brain teasers and puzzles in his free time.
6. She was determined to solve the puzzle and find the hidden treasure.

History and etymology of puzzle

The noun 'puzzle' has a fascinating etymological history. It comes from the Middle English word 'pusel,' which means 'bewilderment' or 'confusion.' 'Pusel' itself is believed to be derived from the Old French word 'poosel,' meaning 'bewilder' or 'confound.' The Old French term, in turn, is thought to have been influenced by the Latin word 'perplexare,' which means 'to involve deeply' or 'to entangle.' Over time, the meaning of 'puzzle' evolved to refer to a game, toy, or activity that challenges and stimulates the mind, typically involving problem-solving, logical reasoning, or spatial manipulation. The etymology of 'puzzle' highlights its historical association with the idea of perplexity and confusion, underscoring how these intriguing brain-teasers aim to engage and confound the mind in a constructive and enjoyable manner.

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Further usage examples of puzzle

1. The puzzle required careful analysis and attention to detail.
2. Completing the puzzle gave her a great sense of accomplishment.
3. The puzzle box contained a secret compartment that held a valuable item.
4. The puzzle challenge tested their problem-solving abilities.
5. The escape room was filled with intriguing puzzles that required teamwork to solve.
6. Solving a complex puzzle can be a satisfying mental challenge.
7. She spent hours unraveling the intricate puzzle's mysteries.
8. The puzzle's pieces scattered, leaving him perplexed.
9. Completing a jigsaw puzzle requires patience and focus.
10. The crossword puzzle stumped even the seasoned solver.
11. He eagerly tackled the Sudoku puzzle in the newspaper.
12. The escape room presented a thrilling puzzle to crack.
13. The Rubik's Cube remains a classic brain-teasing puzzle.
14. The detective pondered the crime scene puzzle.
15. The labyrinth was a maze-like puzzle of twists and turns.
16. The riddle posed an intriguing puzzle for the group.
17. Solving the math puzzle required clever problem-solving.
18. The 3D puzzle challenged spatial reasoning skills.
19. The mystery novel was a literary puzzle waiting to be solved.
20. She found joy in piecing together a mosaic puzzle.
21. The game board featured a strategic puzzle to conquer.
22. The professor assigned a challenging logic puzzle as homework.
23. The hidden clues turned the treasure hunt into a puzzle.
24. The crossword puzzle's clues tested her vocabulary.
25. The brain teaser was a fun and thought-provoking puzzle.

Analysis and Reasoning, Insight and Intrigue, Perception and Perspicacity, Curiosity and Inquiry, Inquiry and Insight, Tactical Maneuvers and Control, Puzzlement and Perplexity

challenge,conundrum,dilemma,enigma,labyrinth,perplexity,quandary

brainteaser,mystery,problem,riddle,teaser

conundrum, solution, clarity, explanation

eb68db_ca54f9c37b3a427a932aa692a6e63e3b.mp3

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