Pronunciation: [biː bɪwˈɪldəd] (IPA) 
The word "be bewildered" is spelled as "bi bɪˈwɪldəd". The "e" in "be" is silent, while the "i" is pronounced as "ɪ". "Bewildered" is pronounced as three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The "w" is pronounced as "w", while the "i" is pronounced as "ɪ". The ending "-ered" is pronounced as "əd", with a schwa sound. To be bewildered means to be confused, puzzled, or disoriented.
To be bewildered is to be thoroughly confused or disoriented by something perplexing or unexpected. It is a state of mental or emotional confusion in which one feels lost, perplexed, or unable to comprehend a situation, event, or information. This confusion often arises from a lack of understanding or clarity, leaving an individual bewildered and unsure about what to do or think next.
When one is bewildered, they may experience a sense of being overwhelmed, unable to make sense of their surroundings or the circumstances they find themselves in. This feeling of bewilderment can manifest in various ways, such as a loss of focus, difficulty in decision-making, or a general sense of being puzzled or dumbfounded.
Being bewildered implies a state of cognitive dissonance, a discordance between one's existing knowledge, beliefs, or expectations and the reality they are confronted with. This discrepancy can arise from various factors, such as encountering a completely unfamiliar or unexpected situation, receiving contradictory information, or being presented with complex and convoluted ideas.
The state of being bewildered is often transient and can be resolved through further exploration, gaining additional information, or seeking clarification. However, sometimes it may persist if the underlying cause remains unresolved or if there are significant gaps in understanding.
The word "bewildered" derives from the combination of the prefix "be-" and the adjective "wild". The term "wild" originated from the Old English word "wilde", which meant "untamed" or "uncivilized". Over time, "wild" also started to describe someone who was emotionally or mentally disturbed.
The prefix "be-" in Old English typically conveyed the meaning of "about, around, or all over". Hence, when combined with "wild", it created the notion of being completely lost or confused, like a person wandering frenziedly in all directions. As a result, "bewildered" came to represent a state of being puzzled, perplexed, or disoriented.
