be puzzled

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   to feel confused because you cannot understand something

   Grammar: Used with 'by' or 'about' to introduce the cause: be puzzled by the question / be puzzled about what to do.

   Patterns

   • be puzzled by something
   • be puzzled about something
   • be puzzled as to why ...

   I was puzzled by his sudden decision to quit.

   She looked puzzled when I mentioned the meeting.

   They were puzzled about how to open the old box.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   to be unable to understand why something happens or what it means

   Grammar: Often followed by a clause beginning with 'why', 'how', or 'what'.

   Patterns

   • be puzzled why ...
   • be puzzled how ...

   We were puzzled why the lights went out so suddenly.

   He was puzzled how such a small key could open the gate.

Common combinations

be puzzled by

The teacher was puzzled by the strange answer.

be puzzled about

I'm puzzled about the best way to fix this.

look puzzled

She looked puzzled when I asked for directions.

be puzzled as to

They were puzzled as to why the train was late.

Synonyms and how they differ

be confused

This is a more general word for not understanding; 'be puzzled' often suggests mild curiosity or a problem to solve.

be baffled

This is stronger and means completely unable to understand; 'be puzzled' is usually less intense.

be perplexed

More formal and literary than 'be puzzled'.

Opposites

Word family

puzzle noun

a game or problem that makes you think.

puzzle verb

to make someone confused.

puzzling adjective

confusing or difficult to understand.

Commonly confused: be puzzled or puzzle?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “be puzzled”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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