flummox

USAGE SUMMARY

"flummox" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the feeling of being confused or baffled by something. For example, "I was completely flummoxed by the complex instructions of the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each step, from creating an online shopfront that lures in customers to taking payment for goods, can flummox retailers selling their wares online.

The Economist

He kept the party quiet during four months of student demonstrations against rises in tuition fees in Quebec a silence that seemed to flummox the Conservative attack machine.But if Mr Harper has dominated Canadian politics for so long, it is not just because of his aggressive tactics.

The Economist

Many companies have been found to store passwords without "salting" them (adding extra data to flummox hackers) or even encrypting them at all.Firms are demanding harder ones: a minimum number of characters, plus numerals and upper- and lower-case letters.

The Economist

Find out the origin and etymology of words and phrases such as "balderdash", "galoot", "flummox" and "pushing the envelope".

Independent

Sinuous mountain roads, the sort that flummox the V8 more than they should, are where the diesel really shines although it's a laid-back cruiser, too.

Independent

The all-rounder ignored fatigue and strained every muscle in his huge frame at the end of a truncated day to flummox and intimidate South Africa's previously comfortable batsmen and rouse the home crowd, who boisterously cheered as he roared in to bowl.

Independent

Dora's been to my house to watch some of our chaotic rehearsals and it didn't flummox her that sometimes they get a bit out of hand with all the drinking.

Independent

When he waddled on to the pitch at Wembley last month, he immediately showed how he can still flummox younger opponents with his sleight of foot, and spry football brain.

Independent

The straightforward-seeming question that can completely flummox: Who is the vice-president of the United States? 9 The Christmas Cracker Some quiz facts are just excellent jokes, and if you take the Christmas cracker approach to answering them you'll probably get there: What is the journal of the Magic Circle called? 10 What links.

Independent

"Dear Mr. Nixon: I was greatly impressed by your radio address on the subject of employment.... ..... Once ensconced in the victor's White House as Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs, he unleashed a stream of memorandums that played his new boss — whose aspirational insecurities, base resentments, and longing to flummox the critics he well understood — like a Stradivarius.

The New Yorker

Childhood itself is reaching a pitch of knowledge and appetite that would flummox and exhaust your average Danish carpenter of 1932, and the temptation to move into Stingers and Crushers must be hard to resist.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flummox", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the confusion. For instance, specify the problem, person, or situation that is flummoxing someone.

Common error

Avoid using "flummox" in situations requiring stronger terms like "defeat" or "overcome". "Flummox" implies confusion, not necessarily failure.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flummox" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of causing someone to feel confused or bewildered. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flummox" is a versatile verb used to describe causing confusion or bewilderment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides ample examples across various reliable sources. Predominantly found in news and media, "flummox" offers a more nuanced alternative to simple "confusion", implying a deeper state of perplexity. When using "flummox", ensure the context supports this stronger sense of bewilderment for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

baffle

Replaces "flummox" with a synonym that emphasizes intellectual confusion or frustration.

bewilder

Emphasizes a feeling of being perplexed or disoriented, similar to being flummoxed.

confound

Suggests a more forceful frustration or confusion, often implying a contradiction of expectations.

perplex

Indicates a state of being puzzled or uncertain about something.

mystify

Implies creating an air of mystery and confusion, often intentionally.

puzzle

Highlights the challenging or enigmatic nature of something that causes confusion.

nonplus

Indicates a state of being so surprised or confused that one is unsure how to react.

stupefy

Suggests being shocked or astonished to the point of being unable to think clearly.

disconcert

Implies a disturbance of composure or self-possession, leading to confusion.

throw off balance

Figuratively refers to destabilizing someone's understanding or confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "flummox" in a sentence?

You can use "flummox" to describe someone being confused or bewildered, as in, "The complex instructions completely flummoxed me".

What are some alternatives to "flummox"?

Alternatives include "baffle", "bewilder", or "confound", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "flummoxed by" something?

Yes, it is common to use "flummoxed by" to indicate the cause of confusion, such as "I was flummoxed by the unexpected question".

What's the difference between "flummox" and "confuse"?

"Confuse" is a more general term for mental uncertainty. "Flummox" implies a more profound state of bewilderment, often unexpected or surprising.