Perplexing: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'perplexus', meaning 'entangled' or 'complicated'.
• It has roots with 'plex', which relates to folding or twisting, hinting at something complex or mixed up.
• The term started to appear in English around the early 17th century, evolving from the idea of being tangled.

Psychology

• Perplexity can often lead to cognitive dissonance, a mental conflict experienced when a person holds contradictory beliefs.
• Research shows that being in perplexing situations can stimulate critical thinking, pushing individuals to solve problems creatively.
• People frequently feel perplexed in unfamiliar settings, where they encounter new ideas or practices, which can enhance learning but also create anxiety.

Literature

• In literature, perplexity often serves as a central theme, engaging readers by challenging their understanding of characters or plot.
• Many great authors use perplexing situations to develop complex narratives, encouraging deeper analysis and interpretation.
• Mystery novels thrive on perplexing scenarios, where the entire story hinges on solving a confusing puzzle.

Education

• Teachers often incorporate perplexing problems in classrooms to get students to think critically and engage in discussions.
• Educational research supports the idea that encountering perplexity can enhance retention of information as it requires deeper engagement.
• Solving perplexing problems encourages collaborative learning, prompting students to work together to figure things out.

Pop Culture

• In video games, perplexing puzzles are central gameplay elements, keeping players engaged and challenged.
• Movies like 'Inception' and 'Memento' play with perplexing narratives that require multiple viewings to fully understand.
• Social media often features perplexing memes and challenges, tapping into the audience’s desire to decode and solve them.

With rank #15,480, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

• ...
• 15477 gravitation
• 15478 vesicle
• 15479 expounded
• 15480 perplexing
• 15481 enumerate
• 15482 tetanus
• 15483 plankton
• ...