Befuddled (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment; "obviously bemused by his questions"; "bewildered and confused"; "a cloudy and confounded philosopher"; "just a mixed-up kid"; "she felt lost on the first day of school".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- After listening to the politician's contradictory promises, the audience was befuddled about what to expect from their policies.
- The student's befuddled expression made it clear that they didn't understand the complex math concept.
- The detective was befuddled by the numerous eyewitness accounts that seemed to contradict each other.
- Trying to assemble the IKEA furniture left me befuddled and searching for a missing screw.
- The cryptic poem left the literary critics befuddled, unable to interpret its deeper meaning.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Stupefied by alcoholic drink; "the wino's poor befuddled mind"; "a mind befogged with drink".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The befuddled bartender stumbled behind the counter, struggling to pour a simple shot of whiskey.
- After a night of heavy drinking, John's befuddled brain couldn't recall how he got home.
- The old man's befuddled expression hinted that the whiskey had gotten the better of him.
- As the drunk driver slurred his speech, the officer wondered how someone so befuddled could have thought they were sober enough to drive.
- The morning after a wild party, Sarah's befuddled mind tried to piece together the events of the previous night.
Synonyms
Meaning 3
Confused and vague; used especially of thinking; "muddleheaded ideas"; "your addled little brain"; "woolly thinking"; "woolly-headed ideas".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The befuddled expression on his face suggested that he had no idea what was going on.
- She sounded completely befuddled when trying to explain the complex math concept to her student.
- The befuddled look he gave me after I explained the instructions made me realize I needed to start over.
- The politician's befuddled response to the journalist's question only added to the controversy surrounding the issue.
- After a long, sleepless night, I felt befuddled and struggled to focus on the task at hand.