jumble

UK: ˈdʒʌm.bəl | US: ˈdʒʌm.bəl

Definition
  1. n. a confused or disordered mixture of things

  2. vt. to mix or confuse things in a disorderly manner

Structure
jumb <to mix confusedly (imitative origin)>le <verb-forming suffix>
Etymology

The word "jumble" likely originates from an imitative or expressive root jumb-, mimicking the sound or motion of mixing things haphazardly (similar to "jump" or "jostle"). The suffix -le is a frequentative verb-forming suffix in English, indicating repeated or ongoing action. Over time, "jumble" evolved to describe both the act of mixing disorderly and the resulting chaotic mixture.

Examples
  1. The drawer was a jumble of socks, keys, and old receipts.

  2. She jumbled the puzzle pieces while searching for the corner ones.

  3. His thoughts were a jumble after the shocking news.

  4. The teacher asked the students not to jumble the flashcards.

  5. The attic contained a jumble of antique furniture and dusty boxes.