Basic Details
Word: Mystify
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To confuse or puzzle someone, making it hard for them to understand something.
Synonyms: Confuse, perplex, baffle
Antonyms: Clarify, explain, enlighten
Idioms and Phrases
- To leave someone in the dark: To keep someone unaware or uninformed about something. Example: "The surprise party was planned so well that it left her completely in the dark."
- Like trying to find a needle in a haystack: Used when something is extremely difficult to locate or understand. Example: "Finding the right answer to that riddle was like trying to find a needle in a haystack."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The magicians tricks always mystify his audience, leaving them wondering how he does it.
Example 2: The complex puzzle seemed to mystify all the students in the class.
Example 3: She tried to explain her idea, but the technical jargon mystified her friends.
Fun Fact
The word "mystify" comes from the Greek word "mystikos," which relates to mysterious or secret things. It has been used in English since the early 19th century to indicate confusion or puzzlement.
Famous Quote
"The greatest mystery is not that the world is mysterious, but that it is understandable." - Jessie McNiven
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "mystify" mean?
a) To make clear
b) To confuse or puzzle
c) To investigate
d) To celebrate
Answer: b) To confuse or puzzle
2. Which of these is a synonym of "mystify"?
a) Explain
b) Baffle
c) Reveal
d) Brighten
Answer: b) Baffle
3. What is an antonym of "mystify"?
a) Confuse
b) Clarify
c) Perplex
d) Bewilder
Answer: b) Clarify
4. Which sentence uses "mystify" correctly?
a) The clear instructions mystified the students.
b) The movie was designed to mystify the audience.
c) She mystified the cake beautifully.
d) I mystified the game with my new moves.
Answer: b) The movie was designed to mystify the audience.
5. Which idiom describes being unaware of something?
a) Like trying to find a needle in a haystack
b) To leave someone in the dark
c) Under the weather
d) At the end of the rope
Answer: b) To leave someone in the dark
