Langimage
English

bewilderment

|be-wil-der-ment|

B2

🇺🇸

/bɪˈwɪldərmənt/

🇬🇧

/bɪˈwɪldəmənt/

state of confusion

Etymology
Etymology Information

'bewilderment' originates from the verb 'bewilder,' which comes from the prefix 'be-' meaning 'thoroughly' and the word 'wilder,' which meant 'to lead astray.'

Historical Evolution

'bewilder' changed from the Middle English word 'bewilderen' and eventually became the modern English word 'bewilder.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to lead astray or confuse,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a state of confusion.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a state of being confused and puzzled.

She looked around in bewilderment, unsure of where to go.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39