The math problem was so hard that it really befuddled me during the test.
synonyms
bewilderconfuseperplex
word origin — Originated in the early 17th century, possibly from the prefix 'be-' combined with 'fuddle', which means to confuse.
Word Master — Set 6
Set 6 of Word Master covers 5 words: befuddle, eschew, repine, quagmire, fumble. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
befuddle · verb/bɪˈfʌdəl/
to confuse or perplex someone
The math problem was so hard that it really befuddled me during the test.
Synonyms: bewilder, confuse, perplex
Origin: Originated in the early 17th century, possibly from the prefix 'be-' combined with 'fuddle', which means to confuse.
eschew · verb/ɪsˈtʃu/
to deliberately avoid or abstain from something
She decided to eschew junk food and eat healthier meals.
Synonyms: avoid, shun, evade
Origin: Middle English 'eschuen', from Old French 'eschiver', from Latin 'excŭtare', meaning to throw out.
repine · verb/rɪˈpaɪn/
to feel or express discontent or dissatisfaction
She often repines about how her friends have better jobs than she does.
Synonyms: complain, lament, moan
Origin: from Middle English 'repinen', from Old French 'repeiner', based on the Latin 're-' meaning 'again' and 'pina' meaning 'to complain'.
quagmire · noun/ˈkwæɡmaɪr/
a difficult, precarious, or entrapping situation
The team found themselves in a quagmire after making a poor decision that hurt their project.
Synonyms: predicament, dilemma, catch-22
Origin: The word 'quagmire' comes from the combination of 'quag,' meaning 'soft swampy ground,' and 'mire,' meaning 'mud or wet earth.'
fumble · verb/ˈfʌm.bəl/
to handle something clumsily or drop it accidentally
He tried to catch the ball but ended up to fumble it and dropped it on the ground.
Synonyms: fumble, drop, mishandle
Origin: Middle English, from 'fomblen', origin unknown