What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dumfounding
Example
The magician's trick was dumfounding. [dumfounding: adjective]
Example
The news of the sudden death of his friend left him dumfounded. [dumfounded: verb]
bewilder
Example
The complex instructions bewildered the new employee. [bewildered: verb]
Example
The maze was so confusing that it left me completely bewildered. [bewildered: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bewilder is more commonly used than dumfounding in everyday language. Bewilder is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dumfounding is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dumfounding and bewilder?
Dumfounding is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while bewilder is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.