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Dictionary definition of puzzling

Confusing, perplexing, or difficult to understand.
"His sudden disappearance was a puzzling mystery to his friends and family."

Detailed meaning of puzzling

It describes a situation, behavior, or concept that presents a mystery or challenge to one's comprehension or logical reasoning. When something is described as puzzling, it implies that it provokes curiosity, intrigue, or a sense of bewilderment. It can apply to various aspects of life, such as puzzling questions, puzzling behavior, or puzzling occurrences that defy conventional understanding. Puzzling situations often require careful analysis, critical thinking, and investigation to unravel their meaning or find a solution. The adjective "puzzling" suggests a sense of intrigue, uncertainty, or curiosity, often leading to a desire for further exploration or investigation to resolve the mystery or confusion.

Example sentences of puzzling

1. The teacher presented the students with a puzzling math problem to solve.
2. The results of the experiment were puzzling and did not align with the expected outcomes.
3. Her cryptic message left everyone in the room with a puzzling expression.
4. The puzzling behavior of the animal left the researchers scratching their heads.
5. The detective found a series of puzzling clues that seemed unrelated at first.
6. It was a puzzling decision to go against the advice of the experts.

History and etymology of puzzling

The adjective 'puzzling' is closely linked to the noun 'puzzle' and shares its etymological roots. It originates from the Middle English word 'pusilen,' which means 'to perplex' or 'to confuse.' This Middle English term is believed to have evolved from the Old French word 'poosel,' also signifying bewilderment or confusion. The Old French term, in turn, may have been influenced by the Latin word 'perplexus,' which means 'entangled' or 'confused.' Therefore, 'puzzling' describes something that is confusing, perplexing, or difficult to understand, reflecting its historical connection to the idea of causing bewilderment or involving the mind deeply. The etymology of 'puzzling' underscores its inherent quality of creating mental challenges and prompting a sense of confusion or perplexity.

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Further usage examples of puzzling

1. The puzzling artwork left viewers questioning its deeper meaning.
2. The origin of the ancient artifact remained puzzling to archaeologists.
3. The puzzling phenomenon defied scientific explanation.
4. The author's puzzling use of symbolism added an air of mystery to the novel.
5. The puzzling sequence of events led to a complex investigation.
6. The puzzling maze left us disoriented and lost for hours.
7. Her cryptic message was truly puzzling to decipher.
8. The disappearance of the artifact remains a puzzling mystery.
9. Solving this enigmatic puzzle was a truly puzzling task.
10. The sudden change in his behavior was deeply puzzling.
11. The professor's complex theories were quite puzzling to grasp.
12. The puzzling contradictions in his story raised suspicions.
13. The intricate design of the puzzle was truly puzzling.
14. The puzzling riddle stumped even the brightest minds.
15. The inexplicable events of that night were truly puzzling.
16. Deciphering the ancient hieroglyphs proved to be a puzzling challenge.
17. The sudden surge in temperature was puzzling meteorologists.
18. The puzzling disappearance of the ship baffled investigators.
19. The cryptic symbols on the ancient tablet were puzzling.
20. The puzzling behavior of the wildlife signaled a larger issue.
21. The puzzling pattern in the data left researchers baffled.
22. Her puzzling silence in the meeting was conspicuous.
23. The puzzling decision to cancel the project left everyone bewildered.
24. The sudden and puzzling power outage disrupted our plans.
25. The puzzling dreams she had were haunting and confusing.