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addle
[ ad-l ]
/ ˈæd l /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with or without object), ad·dled, ad·dling.
to make or become confused.
to make or become rotten, as eggs.
adjective
mentally confused; muddled.
rotten (def. 1): addle eggs.
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Origin of addle
First recorded before 1000; Middle English adel “rotten,” Old English adela “liquid, filth”; cognate with Middle Low German adele “liquid manure”
OTHER WORDS FROM addle
ad·dled, adjectiveWords nearby addle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use addle in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for addle (1 of 2)
addle1
/ (ˈædəl) /
verb
to make or become confused or muddled
to make or become rotten
adjective
(in combination) indicating a confused or muddled stateaddle-brained; addle-pated
Word Origin for addle
C18: (vb), back formation from addled, from c13 addle rotten, from Old English adela filth; related to dialect German Addel liquid manure
British Dictionary definitions for addle (2 of 2)
addle2
/ (ˈædəl) /
verb
Northern English dialect to earn (money or one's living)
Word Origin for addle
C13: addlen, from Old Norse öthlask to gain possession of property, from ōthal property
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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