What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bewilder
Example
The complicated instructions on the manual bewildered me. [bewildered: past tense]
Example
She was completely bewildered by the sudden turn of events. [bewildered: adjective]
puzzle
Example
The math problem puzzled me for hours. [puzzled: past tense]
Example
He found himself in a puzzle trying to figure out the correct answer. [puzzle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Puzzle is more commonly used than bewilder in everyday language. Puzzle is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while bewilder is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bewilder and puzzle?
Both bewilder and puzzle can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bewilder may sound slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage.
