The word "baffle" is spelt using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈbæf.əl/. The first syllable "baf" is pronounced with a short "a" sound as in "cat", and the second syllable "fle" is pronounced with a schwa sound as in "the". The double "f" in the middle of the word signifies that the consonant sound is pronounced twice, with a slight pause in between. This word means to confuse or perplex someone, and is commonly used in situations where someone is unable to understand something.
Baffle is commonly used as both a noun and a verb, and its definition varies slightly depending on its usage. As a verb, it means to perplex, confuse, or frustrate someone, often by rendering them unable to understand or solve something. It implies a state of being bewildered or puzzled, due to the difficulty or complexity of a situation or problem. For instance, an intricate puzzle or a complex riddle may baffle individuals, leaving them unable to find the answer or solution. Similarly, an enigmatic or cryptic statement may baffle someone if they are unable to comprehend its meaning.
As a noun, a baffle refers to a physical object or device designed to create obstruction or hinder the flow of something. It is typically used in the context of controlling or directing the movement of air or sound. A baffle is often employed in various equipment or systems, such as engines or acoustics, to regulate the direction, speed, or intensity of air or soundwaves. It can take the form of a plate, partition, or other structural arrangement that alters the path of air or sound. The purpose of a baffle is to bring about a specific effect by restricting or redirecting the flow of a medium, be it air, sound, or even water. For example, a car's muffler contains baffles to reduce the noise generated by the engine, while a speaker system might incorporate baffles to control and focus the sound produced.
To escape detection; to elude; to confound; to defeat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "baffle" can be traced back to the Middle English term "bafelen" or "bafillen", which meant "to disgrace" or "to publicly humiliate". This Middle English term derived from the Anglo-French word "bafouer", which meant "to ridicule" or "to mock". Ultimately, the word can be traced back to the Late Latin word "balbus", meaning "stammering" or "stuttering". Over time, the meaning of "baffle" shifted to its current usage, referring to something that confuses, frustrates, or puzzles.