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