Confused or perplexed by something that doesn't make sense or is difficult to understand. This involves active mental effort to solve or comprehend something unclear.
From 'puzzle,' originally meaning 'to perplex or confuse,' possibly related to 'pose' in the sense of presenting a difficult question. The word suggests something that poses a mental challenge requiring solution.
Being puzzled activates the brain's problem-solving networks and releases dopamine when we're close to understanding—this is why puzzles can be both frustrating and addictive. The emotion signals that our brain has detected a pattern or problem worth solving, triggering focused attention and curiosity.
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