Basic Details
Word: Baffle
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To confuse someone or make it difficult for them to understand something.
Synonyms: Confuse, perplex, bewilder
Antonyms: Clarify, explain, enlighten
Idioms and Phrases
- Baffle them with brilliance: To impress or confuse someone with great intelligence or skill. Example: "He managed to baffle them with brilliance during his presentation, leaving the audience in awe."
- Left baffled: When someone is completely confused or surprised by something. Example: "After hearing the riddle, she was left baffled and couldnt guess the answer."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The magician's tricks never failed to baffle all the children in the audience.
Example 2: The complex maths problem baffled the students, and they needed extra help to understand it.
Example 3: When she opened the unexpected gift, a card fell out that baffled her with an unusual message.
Fun Fact
The word "baffle" originates from the early 16th century, derived from the word "baf" which meant to defeat or to throw off. It is related to a dialect word in Middle English that meant to deceive or confuse.
Famous Quote
"The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as of the greatest virtues." - Rene Descartes
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "baffle" mean?
a) To explain clearly
b) To confuse
c) To help
d) To annoy
Answer: b) To confuse
2. Which of these is a synonym of "baffle"?
a) Clarify
b) Perplex
c) Enlighten
d) Understand
Answer: b) Perplex
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "baffle"?
a) Confuse
b) Explain
c) Bewilder
d) Puzzle
Answer: b) Explain
4. Which sentence uses "baffle" correctly?
a) The teacher's instructions baffled the students.
b) They were baffled by the tasty cake.
c) The baffle made the music sound better.
d) She was baffled to find a puppy in her hat.
Answer: a) The teacher's instructions baffled the students.
5. What does it mean to be "left baffled"?
a) To be confused
b) To be happy
c) To be angry
d) To be excited
Answer: a) To be confused
