stumper
/'stʌmpə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A particularly difficult or baffling question or problem; a puzzle or challenge that is hard to solve or answer.
Usage
The word "stumper" is used to describe a question, riddle, or problem that is exceptionally challenging and often leaves people perplexed or unable to find an answer. It is typically used in informal contexts.
Examples
- Noun:
- The final question on the quiz was a real stumper; nobody in the class could answer it.
- He asked me a stumper about quantum physics that I had no idea how to solve.
- That riddle is a classic stumper that has puzzled people for generations.
Advanced Usage
- "to be a stumper": to function as or constitute a baffling problem.
- The mystery of the missing keys was a real stumper for everyone in the house.
- "to pose a stumper": to present a very difficult question.
- During the interview, the panel posed a stumper to test the candidate's critical thinking.
Variants and Related Words
- Stump (verb): To baffle or confuse someone completely.
- That math problem completely stumped me.
- Stumping (noun, gerund): The action of baffling or presenting a difficult challenge.
- His constant stumping with tough questions made the lecture very engaging.
Synonyms
- Puzzle: A game, toy, or problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge.
- Conundrum: A confusing and difficult problem or question.
- Poser: A puzzling question or problem.
- Brain-teaser: A problem or puzzle that requires thought to solve.
Antonyms
- No-brainer: Something that requires little or no mental effort; an easy decision or question.
- Cinch: Something that is very easy to accomplish.
Idioms and Phrases
- "That's a stumper!": An exclamation used when confronted with a very difficult question.
- "How many grains of sand are on this beach?" "Wow, that's a stumper!"
Noun
- a particularly difficult or baffling question or problem