Langimage
English

muddled

|mud-dled|

B2

/ˈmʌdəld/

(muddle)

confusion or disorder

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
muddlemuddlesmuddlesmuddledmuddledmuddling
Etymology
Etymology Information

'muddle' originates from Middle Dutch, specifically the word 'moddelen,' where 'modd-' meant 'mud.'

Historical Evolution

'moddelen' transformed into the Middle English word 'mudlen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'muddle.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to make muddy or dirty,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to confuse or mix up.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

past tense or past participle form of 'muddle'.

He muddled through the paperwork.

Adjective 1

in a state of confusion or disorder.

Her thoughts were muddled after the long meeting.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41