The term “bedeviling” is derived from the verb “bedevil,” which means to torment or harass persistently. When used in context, “bedeviling” describes something that causes persistent trouble, confusion, or frustration. Its usage can range from describing challenging situations to perplexing dilemmas or persistent issues that disrupt or complicate normal activities.
Using “Bedeviling” in Different Contexts
Example Sentences
- Navigating the bedeviling maze of bureaucratic red tape proved more challenging than expected.
In this sentence, “bedeviling” is used to describe the complex and frustrating nature of bureaucratic processes, highlighting the difficulties involved in dealing with administrative obstacles.
- The team faced a bedeviling dilemma: how to balance innovation with regulatory compliance in a rapidly evolving industry.
Here, “bedeviling” underscores the persistent and troublesome nature of the dilemma, emphasizing the challenges of finding a solution that meets both innovative goals and regulatory requirements.
- Her persistent insomnia was a bedeviling problem that affected her daily productivity and overall well-being.
In this context, “bedeviling” describes the troubling and persistent nature of insomnia, highlighting its disruptive impact on the individual’s life and health.
- The company struggled with a bedeviling series of setbacks that threatened to derail its expansion plans.
Here, “bedeviling” is used to depict a series of persistent and troublesome setbacks that pose a significant threat to the company’s growth and objectives.
Contextual Meaning and Nuances
The word “bedeviling” carries nuances of persistent trouble or difficulty, often implying a challenge that is not easily resolved and may require considerable effort or strategy to overcome. It can be used to describe both tangible problems, such as logistical challenges or technical issues, and abstract dilemmas, such as moral quandaries or strategic conflicts.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Synonyms for “bedeviling” include:
- Perplexing: Describing something that is confusing or bewildering.
- Troublesome: Highlighting something that causes difficulty or inconvenience.
- Vexing: Emphasizing the irritating or frustrating nature of a problem.
- Thorny: Referring to a complex or difficult issue.
Practical Application in Writing and Speech
When using “bedeviling” in writing or speech, consider the following tips:
- Clarity: Ensure the context in which you use “bedeviling” is clear to your audience, providing sufficient detail to convey the nature of the challenge or problem.
- Emphasis: Use “bedeviling” to underscore the persistent or troublesome nature of a situation, enhancing the impact of your description.
- Variety: Explore different contexts and scenarios where “bedeviling” can effectively convey the complexity or difficulty of a situation, demonstrating versatility in your language use.
The word “bedeviling” offers a nuanced and descriptive way to convey persistent trouble, complexity, or frustration in various contexts. Whether describing challenging dilemmas, persistent issues, or complex problems, using “bedeviling” adds depth and clarity to your communication. By understanding its meaning and nuances, you can effectively incorporate “bedeviling” into your writing and speech, enriching your expressions and effectively conveying the nature of challenging situations or dilemmas.