# mystified

/ˈmɪstəˌfaɪd/ (US) · /mˈɪstɪfˌaɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mystified
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

feeling very confused because you cannot understand or explain something.

For teachers: greatly puzzled or confused by something difficult to explain or understand. Often follows a linking verb such as 'be', 'feel', or 'seem' to describe a person's reaction.

## Examples

- I feel mystified by the new rules.
- The family was mystified when their keys kept disappearing from the locked drawer.
- Mystified by the sudden silence from her longtime friend, she reread their last messages for any hidden offence.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows a linking verb such as 'be', 'feel', or 'seem'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.