How Do You Spell CONUNDRUM?

Pronunciation: [kənˈʌndɹəm] (IPA)

The word "conundrum" is a tricky one to spell. It is pronounced as /kəˈnʌndrəm/, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word can be confusing because the "u" and "n" are separated by "d" and "r," which can make it easy to switch the letters around by mistake. Additionally, the "u" sound may be spelled as "o" in some words, adding to the confusion. However, with practice and attention to detail, anyone can master the spelling of "conundrum."

CONUNDRUM Meaning and Definition

1. A conundrum refers to a perplexing, puzzling, or challenging situation or problem that is difficult to resolve or explain. It is often typified by its intricate nature, which tends to prompt confusion or a sense of being at a loss. The term conundrum may suggest a paradoxical or contradictory circumstance, where there appears to be no straightforward solution or clear answer. It can encompass a wide range of scenarios that are complicated, enigmatic, or even amusing in nature.

   The term conundrum commonly elicits a sense of mental frustration or bewilderment, as individuals grapple to comprehend or find a way out of the dilemma. It may involve conflicting or contradictory options, ideas, or opinions, leaving one with a sense of being trapped in a perplexing predicament. Conundrums may arise in various contexts, such as politics, philosophy, ethics, or even everyday life situations.

   Furthermore, a conundrum is often presented as a riddle or intellectual challenge that requires ingenuity, creativity, or critical thinking skills to overcome or solve. It requires individuals to explore different perspectives, analyze the problem, and consider alternative approaches to reach a resolution. Conundrums may intrigue, entertain, or frustrate individuals, as they engage in a mental exercise of unraveling the complex and thought-provoking elements within them. Ultimately, a conundrum serves as a source of mental stimulation and an opportunity for personal growth and problem-solving.

2. A sort of riddle in which some fanciful or odd resemblance is proposed for discovery between things totally unlike.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CONUNDRUM *

• cunundrum 33.3333333%
• conumdrum 25.9259259%
• canundrum 7.4074074%
• connundrum 7.4074074%
• condundrum 7.4074074%
• kunundrum 7.4074074%
• conudrum 3.7037037%

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for CONUNDRUM

• conodrum
• cunumdrum
• canundrums
• connumdrum
• conunfdrum
• conundrem
• conumdrums
• conondrum
• condumdrum
• condundrums
• cunundrums
• konundrum
• connondrum
• conondurm

Etymology of CONUNDRUM

The word "conundrum" originated in the 17th century and its etymology is uncertain. There are a couple of theories about its origin:

1. One theory suggests that "conundrum" may have derived from the Latin phrase "quaenundrum", which means "what is to be done?" or "what is to be decided?" However, there is limited evidence to support this theory.

2. Another theory suggests that "conundrum" may have derived from the combination of two Latin words: "conus" meaning "cone" and "rotundus" meaning "round". This theory suggests that the shape of a conundrum metaphorically represents a "roundabout" or "circular argument" where the solution is difficult to find.

Due to the lack of concrete evidence, the precise etymology of "conundrum" remains uncertain.

Similar spelling word for CONUNDRUM

• coonhound.

Plural form of CONUNDRUM is CONUNDRUMS