Conundrum
Noun
Definition: A confusing or difficult problem or question.
Definition: A riddle or puzzle that requires skill or cleverness to solve.
Synonyms: Enigma, Puzzle, Mystery, Dilemma
Antonyms: Solution, Explanation, Answer
- The professor presented us with a conundrum that took us hours to solve.
- The mystery novel was full of conundrums that kept the reader guessing until the end.
- Think of "Cone" as a shape, and "Drum" as something noisy and confusing. A conundrum can be like a cone-shaped drum of confusion.
Etymology:
The word "conundrum" originated in the late 16th century, possibly from the Latin word "concernere" meaning "to concern." It first appeared with its current definition in the early 17th century.
Historical Usage:Over time, the usage of "conundrum" expanded from being solely a riddle or puzzle to include any perplexing or puzzling situation.
Related Idioms:
"Conundrum wrapped in an enigma"
Explanation:This phrase, popularized by Winston Churchill, refers to a situation that is extremely difficult to understand or solve due to its complexity.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "conundrum" with "jumble" or "muddle."
Explanation:While a conundrum can certainly be confusing, it specifically refers to a problem or question that requires skill or cleverness to solve, rather than just a disorganized or messy situation.