Puzzle

Definition

Puzzle typically refers to a game, toy, or problem that challenges the mind and requires thought, creativity, or ingenuity to solve or understand.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpʌzəl/
• Respelling: PUHZ-uhl (with "PUHZ" as in "put," and "uhl" as in "uncle")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpʌzəl/
• Respelling: PUHZ-uhl (similar to American English, with "PUHZ" as in "put," and "uhl" as in "uncle")

In both dialects, "puzzle" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, "PUHZ." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, emphasizing the "PUHZ" part clearly.

Etymology

The word "puzzle" has its origins in the late Middle English term "pusele", which means "bewilder or confound". The exact origin is unclear, but it is possibly related to Old French "pusill" meaning "little", suggesting something that confounds or makes one feel small.

Derivatives

• Puzzled
• Puzzling
• Puzzler
• Puzzlement
• Unpuzzled

Synonyms

• Enigma
• Conundrum
• Mystery

Antonyms

• Solution
• Answer
• Clarity

Usage

The term "puzzle" can denote a variety of games or problems meant to challenge the mind. It can also be used as a verb, indicating the act of confounding or confusing someone.

Related Terms

• Riddle
• Brainteaser
• Jigsaw

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A game, toy, or problem that tests a person's ingenuity or knowledge.
• Example: She enjoys solving crossword puzzles on Sundays.

• A situation or element of something that is mysterious or difficult to understand.
• Example: The sudden disappearance of the artifact remains a puzzle to historians.

Verb

• To cause someone to feel confused or bewildered.
• Example: The sudden change in his behavior puzzled me.

• To think hard about something in order to understand or solve it.
• Example: He puzzled over the equation for hours.