Word
muddled
Phoneticsmud·dled, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmədəɫd/
UK/mˈʌdəld/
Definition
v. to mix things together in a confused or messy way. You use this when you are trying to organize your thoughts or when you mix up different liquids.
v. to mix or blend substances or ideas in a confused or disordered manner. Often used to describe the mental process of organizing thoughts or the physical act of combining ingredients.
Examples
“I muddled the herbs and citrus to make the drink.”
“The writer tried to muddle the plot by adding too many subplots at once.”
“The chef carefully muddled the fresh mint leaves with sugar to release their oils before adding the gin to the glass.”
Examples
simple
“I muddled the herbs and citrus to make the drink.”
contextual
“The writer tried to muddle the plot by adding too many subplots at once.”
complex
“The chef carefully muddled the fresh mint leaves with sugar to release their oils before adding the gin to the glass.”
Real-World Examples
“I got the chords when I was trying to work out Someday by the Strokes but got the finger positions muddled up.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/muddled