bewildering

/bɪˈwɪldərɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [bɪwˈɪldɚɪŋ] /bɪˈwɪldərɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [bɪwˈɪldɚɪŋ] /bi-ˈwil-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce bewildering (audio) bē-/ (ame, mw)

bewildering — adjective

  • bewilderingpositive
  • more bewilderingcomparative
  • most bewilderingsuperlative

1. so unclear or full of mixed information that it is hard to work out what it mean

1.形容詞B2
釋義

so unclear or full of mixed information that it is hard to work out what it means or how the parts fit together.

例句

The museum map was so bewildering that Reema missed the dinosaur hall.

so bewildering that + result

Quan found the tax website bewildering after three menus sent him in circles.

find + noun + bewildering

同義詞
  • confusing

    broader and more everyday; bewildering sounds stronger and more mentally disorienting

  • perplexing

    more thoughtful and slightly more formal; less emotional than bewildering

  • baffling

    emphasises having no explanation at all, rather than struggling through many details

反義詞

用法筆記

Often used for instructions, systems, maps, or events that feel hard to piece together. Distinguish from sense 2, where the problem is choosing between options rather than simply understanding them.

常見錯誤

❌The instructions were very bewildered.
✅The instructions were very bewildering.
💡use 'bewildering' for the thing that causes confusion and 'bewildered' for the person who feels it.

2. creating uncertainty because there are so many appealing or competing options th

2.形容詞B2
釋義

creating uncertainty because there are so many appealing or competing options that you cannot settle on the one you want.

例句

The perfume wall was bewildering, and Paloma could not pick one bottle.

be bewildering when choices feel impossible

Christopher faced a bewildering choice between six internships in different cities.

a bewildering choice between + options

同義詞
  • overwhelming

    broader; can describe pressure or quantity even when no choice is involved

  • dizzying

    stronger and more vivid; often suggests a rush of options or details

  • confusing

    more general; does not specifically suggest too many appealing choices

反義詞
  • manageable

    small or simple enough to choose from comfortably

  • limited

    narrow enough that deciding feels easier

用法筆記

Common when shops, menus, or lists offer many attractive possibilities at once. Distinguish from sense 1: here the item may be understandable, but it still leaves you unable to decide.

常見錯誤

❌The store gave me a bewildered choice.
✅The store offered a bewildering choice.
💡use 'bewildering' to describe the options and 'bewildered' to describe your feeling.