bewilderment

USAGE SUMMARY

"bewilderment" is a valid and commonly used word in written English.
It can be used to express confusion or being perplexed by something. Example sentence: When the professor asked the question, all the students sat in bewilderment, unsure of what the answer was.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To their bewilderment, slightly drunk chaps in green shirts kept weaving up to them and enquiring what exactly was making them so mad.

The Guardian - Sport

A second-year student at the University of Oxford, who has asked not to be named, recalls the bewilderment she encountered after telling her tutor that her mother had died shortly before she'd started university.

The Guardian

Rusty's bewilderment and confusion is so vivid in this heartfelt book.

The Guardian

To the disgust of its owners and the bewilderment of many customers, the town's 1970s shopping centre is now a Grade II listed building.

The Guardian - Arts

As a member of the European parliament delegation to the Supreme Soviet in 1989, I witnessed this trust and later the increasing bewilderment of the Soviet/Russian participants in various conferences at the arrogant triumphalism of Nato and even EU speakers.

The Guardian

Some bewilderment is also apparent – Jimmy Johnson talking about the lack of a ballot said of the beginning of the strike: "Great.

The Guardian

A Birmingham Tory voter admired them so much that, to the bewilderment and chagrin of the men in her family, she decided to cut off her long hair and got a bob – she called it her Greenham haircut.

The Guardian

The unswerving belief in the absolute importance of fashion and acquisition above all else on the planet is cleverly contrasted with the suffering and bewilderment of the underling.

The Guardian - Books

In most places there were feelings of bewilderment, anger and shame – not all of it directed toward rioters – plus a sense that communities had been neglected by the government before the riots and hastily abandoned afterwards.

The Guardian

Maybe because the battle was already lost, his speech had a tone of exasperated regret, tinged with earnest bewilderment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Riches said that delegates had arrived at the auditorium committed to reform and in a positive frame of mind about it but were left in "anger and bewilderment" by the home secretary.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bewilderment" when you want to emphasize a state of confusion that involves a sense of being lost or perplexed. It's stronger than simple confusion and suggests a deeper level of disorientation.

Common error

Avoid using "bewilderment" when simple "confusion" suffices. "Bewilderment" implies a stronger emotional component and a sense of being utterly lost, not just mildly puzzled.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bewilderment" is as a noun. It typically refers to the state or feeling of being bewildered, which is characterized by confusion and disorientation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the word is valid and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

20%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bewilderment" is a noun that describes a state of profound confusion and disorientation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage in written English. It’s frequently found in news articles and encyclopedias, serving to convey a sense of being utterly lost or perplexed. When writing, use "bewilderment" to express a deeper sense of disorientation than simple confusion. Alternatives include "confusion", "perplexity", and "puzzlement".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confusion

Refers to a lack of clarity or understanding, similar to bewilderment but can also imply a less intense emotional response.

perplexity

Indicates a state of being puzzled or confused, often by something complex or difficult to understand.

puzzlement

A mild form of confusion or wonderment, often implying a temporary inability to understand something.

disorientation

Suggests a loss of bearings or a feeling of being lost, either physically or mentally.

befuddlement

Implies a state of being muddled or confused, often due to intoxication or strong emotions.

mystification

Conveys a sense of being perplexed and intrigued by something mysterious or inexplicable.

bafflement

Highlights the feeling of being thwarted or frustrated by an inability to understand something.

stupefaction

Suggests a state of shock or astonishment that leaves one unable to think clearly.

daze

Refers to a state of numbness or confusion, often following a shock or trauma.

state of incomprehension

Highlights a complete lack of understanding, often in the face of something complex or nonsensical.

FAQs

How can I use "bewilderment" in a sentence?

You can use "bewilderment" to describe a state of confusion and disorientation. For example, "The complex instructions left him in a state of bewilderment."

What can I say instead of "bewilderment"?

You can use alternatives like "confusion", "perplexity", or "puzzlement" depending on the context.

Is "bewilderment" a positive or negative emotion?

"Bewilderment" is generally a negative emotion, as it implies a lack of understanding and a feeling of being lost or disoriented.

What's the difference between "bewilderment" and "astonishment"?

"Bewilderment" implies confusion and a lack of understanding, while "astonishment" implies great surprise or amazement. You can be astonished by something you understand, but bewilderment suggests you don't understand it.