puzzle over

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Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To think deeply about something in order to understand or solve it: "puzzle over" means to spend time considering a problem, question, or mysterious situation, trying to find an answer or solution. It implies a state of thoughtful confusion or concentration.
Usage
  • This verb is typically used with an object (a problem, question, or situation). It describes the mental effort of trying to figure something out.
  • Common structures: "puzzle over [something]" or "puzzle over how/why/what, etc."
Examples
  • Verb:
    • The detectives continued to puzzle over the mysterious clues.
    • She puzzled over the math problem for hours before finding the solution.
    • I've been puzzling over his strange behavior all week.
Advanced Usage
  • "to be left puzzling over something": to remain confused or thoughtful about something after an event.
    • After the confusing lecture, the students were left puzzling over the main concept.
Variants and Related Words
  • Puzzle (verb): to cause someone to feel confused and think hard.
    • The riddle puzzled me.
  • Puzzlement (noun): a state of confusion or bewilderment.
    • His decision was met with puzzlement.
Synonyms
  • Ponder: to think about something carefully.
  • Contemplate: to look at or consider something thoughtfully.
  • Mull over: to think carefully about something over a period of time.
  • Meditate on: to focus one's mind on something in silence for spiritual purposes or deep thought.
Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "puzzle over" is itself a phrasal verb. Other phrasal verbs with "puzzle" are less common.) - Puzzle out: to solve a confusing problem by thinking about it. - We finally puzzled out the meaning of the ancient text.

Verb
  1. try to solve