Basic Details
Word: Mystify
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To confuse or puzzle someone; to make something difficult to understand.
Synonyms: Baffle, perplex, confound, puzzle
Antonyms: Clarify, explain, enlighten
Idioms and Phrases
- Leave someone mystified: To cause someone to be completely puzzled or confused. Example: "The magician's final trick left the entire audience mystified."
- Mystify the mind: To engage someone in deep, confusing thought. Example: "The abstract painting mystified the mind of every visitor at the gallery."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The strange behavior of the machine mystified the engineers.
Example 2: Her sudden decision to quit the job mystified everyone in the office.
Example 3: The ancient symbols on the cave walls mystified the archaeologists.
Fun Fact
The word "mystify" comes from the French word *mystifier*, which means "to bewilder" or "to trick." It was originally associated with magical or deceptive practices.
Famous Quote
"The more I see, the less I know, for sure. And that mystifies me." John Lennon
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "mystify" mean?
a) To enjoy something deeply
b) To confuse or puzzle someone
c) To clean thoroughly
d) To describe clearly
Answer: b) To confuse or puzzle someone
2. Which of these is a synonym of "mystify"?
a) Enlighten
b) Explain
c) Perplex
d) Clarify
Answer: c) Perplex
3. Which is an antonym of "mystify"?
a) Baffle
b) Puzzle
c) Confound
d) Explain
Answer: d) Explain
4. Which sentence uses "mystify" correctly?
a) She mystify her homework every day.
b) The magician mystified the crowd with his illusions.
c) They mystifies to the movie.
d) He mystifying a book.
Answer: b) The magician mystified the crowd with his illusions.
5. What does the idiom "leave someone mystified" mean?
a) To make someone feel joyful
b) To cause someone confusion or puzzlement
c) To clearly explain a situation
d) To invite someone to an event
Answer: b) To cause someone confusion or puzzlement
