riddle

UK: ˈrɪd.l̩ | US: ˈrɪd.l̩

Definition

  1. n. a question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning

  2. n. a coarse sieve, especially one used for sifting grain

  3. vt. to pierce with many holes (e.g., "bullets riddled the target")

  4. vt. to solve or explain a riddle

Structure
rid <Old English rǣdan, "to advise, interpret">dle <noun-forming suffix>rid <Old English hriddel, "sieve">
Etymology

The word "riddle" has two distinct origins.

  1. For the puzzle sense: It traces back to Old English rǣdan ("to advise, interpret"), evolving through Middle English redels ("counsel, puzzle"). The morpheme rid reflects the original verb, while -dle is a nominal suffix. The shift from "interpretation" to "puzzle" reflects the challenge of decoding such questions.
  2. For the sieve sense: Derived from Old English hriddel ("sieve"), retaining the core spelling rid but unrelated etymologically to the puzzle meaning. The dual meanings are a coincidence of phonetic convergence.
Examples

  1. The sphinx posed a riddle to travelers.

  2. Farmers used a wooden riddle to separate wheat from chaff.

  3. The detective riddled out the cryptic message.

  4. Machine-gun fire riddled the wall with bullet holes.

  5. Ancient cultures often used riddles in oral traditions.