riddle
RID-uhl
/ˈrɪd.əl/
A question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning; or to pierce with many holes.
A riddle is typically a verbal puzzle that relies on metaphor, double meanings, or clever framing.
The story behind the word. In Anglo-Saxon times, a rædels was a puzzle designed to test your ability to rædan (which meant to guess, interpret, or advise—and eventually became our word 'read'). To solve a riddle was to prove you could 'read' the hidden patterns of the world.
Word relationships
- conundrum: A conundrum is a type of riddle, specifically one that involves a pun or a complex ethical dilemma.
- brain-teaser: Brain-teaser is a modern, casual term for any puzzle, while riddle has a traditional, literary heritage.
- explanation: An explanation clarifies a mystery, while a riddle creates one.
- answer: An answer is the direct solution to a riddle.
Commonly confused with
- conundrum: A conundrum is a type of riddle, specifically one that involves a pun or a complex ethical dilemma; a riddle is any puzzling question.
Word family
- riddler (noun): A person who speaks in or writes riddles.
Collocations
- pose a riddle
- solve a riddle
- riddled with bullets
Idioms & expressions
- riddle me this
Example sentences
- "Riddle me this, and guess my name." A traditional English nursery rhyme posing a puzzle. (Traditional English Nursery Rhyme)
Memory hook
A riddle is a puzzle that gets rid of obvious answers and forces you to think. The Riddler from Batman, who always leaves verbal puzzles.
When not to use
Do not use for a physical maze or a mathematical equation; it is primarily linguistic.
Fun facts
- The oldest recorded riddles come from ancient Sumeria, written on clay tablets over 4,000 years ago.
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