TED-ED: Mysteries of vernacular: Bewilder - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel

The video explores the etymology of the word 'bewilder', tracing its roots from Old English words 'wilde' and 'deor', which combined to form 'wilderness'. The term 'wilder' emerged from 'wilderness', meaning to lead astray. In the 1600s, the prefix 'be-' was added to 'wilder', creating 'bewilder', which means to be completely confused.

What does the term 'wilderness' refer to?

Explain the significance of the prefix 'be' in the word 'bewilder'.