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Perplex Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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perplex

[pəˈplɛks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

feeling

To cause someone to feel confused or puzzled.

Synonyms

baffle, bewilder, confuse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perplex

Use this word when you want to describe a situation where someone is completely puzzled or unable to understand something because it is very complex or confusing.

  • The unexpected news about the company's closure seemed to perplex everyone.
  • Her detailed mathematical explanation did nothing but perplex the students.
confuse

This word is used when someone feels unclear or unable to comprehend something, often in a general sense. It is a more common and less intense term compared to the other options.

  • The instructions confused me, so I had to ask for help.
  • His mixed signals only served to confuse her further.
baffle

This word is suitable when you want to emphasize that something is so confusing or mysterious that it is difficult to understand or solve.

  • The detective was completely baffled by the lack of evidence at the crime scene.
  • The magician's tricks baffle the audience every time.
bewilder

Use this term when you want to describe a situation where someone is extremely confused and disoriented, often due to many confusing factors at once.

  • The sudden changes in her schedule seemed to bewilder her.
  • The confusing directions on the map left the tourists feeling bewildered.

Examples of usage

  • He was perplexed by the strange situation.
  • The complicated instructions perplexed the students.
  • The unexpected turn of events left her feeling perplexed.
Context #2 | Adjective

expression

Completely baffled; very puzzled.

Synonyms

baffled, confused, puzzled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perplex

Typically used for situations where something is made more complicated or intricate, often leading to deep thought or consideration.

  • The unexpected question during the presentation seemed to perplex the speaker.
  • I was perplexed by the complex instructions on the assembly guide.
confused

A general term used to describe a state of not understanding something, which can range from mild to moderate bewilderment.

  • I was confused by the directions the instructor gave in class.
  • The plot of the movie was so intricate that I left the theater feeling confused.
puzzled

Used to express a sense of mild to moderate confusion, often paired with curiosity or intrigue.

  • The young child was puzzled by how the magician performed his tricks.
  • She had a puzzled look on her face when she saw the unusual artifact.
baffled

Often employed to describe feelings of being completely unable to understand or explain something, implying a stronger sense of confusion.

  • Scientists were baffled by the sudden disappearance of the star.
  • She was baffled by the final exam question, which seemed unrelated to the course material.

Examples of usage

  • She had a perplexed expression on her face.
  • The perplexed look on his face indicated his confusion.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling perplexed often happens when we face too many options or complicated information.
  • Cognitive dissonance, where two conflicting thoughts exist, can leave people feeling perplexed.
  • Perplexity can trigger problem-solving behaviors, pushing individuals to find clarity.

Pop Culture

  • In various books and movies, characters often experience complexity in choices that leave them perplexed.
  • Plays and films explore themes of confusion, showcasing how misunderstandings can drive plots.
  • The TV show 'Lost' is famous for its perplexing mysteries that kept viewers guessing.

Literature

  • Many authors, like Shakespeare, use perplexity to create tension or encourage deep thought in their works.
  • Plot twists in novels often leave readers perplexed, inviting them to reflect on the story's deeper meaning.
  • Poets may employ perplexing imagery to evoke strong emotions, prompting different interpretations.

Everyday Use

  • People often use 'perplexed' to describe their feelings while trying to solve puzzles or riddles.
  • In conversations, when someone doesn't understand a concept, they're often described as feeling perplexed.
  • Teaching can sometimes leave students perplexed until the topic is broken down into simpler parts.

Origin of 'perplex'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'perplexus,' meaning 'entangled' or 'involved.'
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century, showing its long history in the language.
  • The prefix 'per-' suggests thoroughness, indicating deep confusion or entanglement.

The word 'perplex' originated from the Latin word 'perplexus', which means 'interwoven, entangled'. It entered English in the 15th century with the meaning 'bewilder, confuse'. Over time, 'perplex' has retained its essence of causing confusion or puzzlement in various contexts.

See also: perplexed, perplexing, perplexingly, perplexity.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,000, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.