http://glennagirl.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] glennagirl.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] section7mfu2019-10-15 09:34 am
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Word of the Day

A few sentences using the word of the day and posted in the comments.

Flummoxed

[flə-məksd]Part of speech: adjective

Origin: uncertain, mid 19th century

  • Totally confused or bewildered
  • Utterly unable to understand or comprehend

Examples of Flummoxed in a sentence

  • The complex equations in his physics course left him completely flummoxed.
  • She was flummoxed by all of the big, confusing words inserted into the legal agreement.
Illya was completely flummoxed by the need to identify himself to the UNCLE garage attendant. The man had to be new.
Illya was completely flummoxed by the need to identify himself to the UNCLE garage attendant. The man had to be new.

About Flummoxed

While its synonyms have traceable origins, researchers looking into 'flummoxed' can only scratch their heads at the word's unknown derivation. But it's not alone; some common words that also leave historians at a loss include 'conundrum,' 'bizarre,' 'avalanche,' and even 'dog.'

Did you Know?

In something of an etymological rarity, no one is quite certain as to the origins of the word flummoxed. It has roots that are both literary and dialect-based, but no conclusive source has been determined. The word has left historians, well, flummoxed.

[identity profile] mrua7.livejournal.com 2019-10-16 12:48 am (UTC)(link)
Napoleon Solo was usually not at a loss for words, except sometimes when he was put on the spot by Mister Waverly; Illya always caught it in time joined in, answering for his partner. When it came to the ladies, Napoleon was never at a loss for words; that was until he met Inga, the newest staff member in Translations. For once in his life he was flummoxed, he couldn't speak as her beauty left him confused and tongue tied.

Illya laughed...

[identity profile] mrua7.livejournal.com 2019-10-17 07:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you! Kind of hard to imagine NS flummoxed when it comes to the ladies, but I'm sure even he can be overwhelmed by extreme beauty.

[identity profile] pfrye.livejournal.com 2019-10-17 06:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Mr. Waverly secretly enjoyed the times his agents were flummoxed. With Napoleon Solo it usually occurred when there was a scientific aspect to a briefing. Mr. Kuriyakin became confused much less frequently, so when it did happen his state was very enjoyable indeed.

[identity profile] mrua7.livejournal.com 2019-10-17 07:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Very good!!