mystify

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/ˈmɪstɪfaɪ/
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To cause confusion or to deliberately make something obscure, often by presenting it as mysterious.
Practice using mystify in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The novel's ending mystifies readers.
  • The complex diagram mystifies many students.
  • The propaganda mystifies the real issues.
  • He mystifies the contract with legal jargon.
  • The designer mystifies the product's purpose.

Similar words

puzzle
obscure
shroud
bewilder
baffle
cloud
mask
stupefy
veil
conceal

Meanings

To bewilder or confuse someone

verb
everyday
neutral
To cause someone to be unable to think clearly because of something strange or puzzling.

Examples

  • The complex diagram mystifies many students.
  • His sudden disappearance mystifies the police.
  • The technical jargon mystifies newcomers.
  • The paradox mystifies even experts.
  • The magician's tricks mystify the audience.
  • The novel's ending mystifies readers.
  • The cryptic note mystifies the detective.

Similar words

bewilder
confuse
baffle
perplex
puzzle
befuddle
stupefy

To make something seem mysterious or obscure

verb
literature
neutral
To deliberately present something in a way that hides its true meaning or makes it appear mysterious.

Examples

  • The propaganda mystifies the real issues.
  • He mystifies the contract with legal jargon.
  • The designer mystifies the product's purpose.
  • The teacher mystifies the lesson with obscure references.
  • The report mystifies the underlying causes.
  • The advertisement mystifies the benefits of the product.
  • The policy mystifies the public about its intent.

Similar words

obscure
conceal
cloud
veil
shroud
mask
hide

Etymology

From French mystifier, from Latin mysticus ‘mystic’.

FAQ

What does mystify mean?

It means to bewilder someone or to make something appear mysterious.

Is mystify a transitive verb?

Yes, it normally takes an object.

What is the past tense of mystify?

The past tense is mystified.

Can mystify be used for simple confusion?

It is better used when the confusion has a mysterious quality.

What are common synonyms for mystify?

Bewilder, confuse, baffle, perplex, puzzle, befuddle, stupefy.

What is the opposite of mystify?

To clarify or to explain.

Where does the word mystify come from?

It comes from French mystifier, ultimately from Latin mysticus.

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