Perplexingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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perplexingly

 

[pəˈplɛksɪŋli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe something in a confusing or puzzling manner

In a perplexing or confusing way; causing confusion or puzzlement.

Synonyms

confusingly, puzzlingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perplexingly

Use this word when something is confusing to the extent that it completely confounds or bewilders someone. It often implies a deeper level of confusion and is less commonly used in everyday speech.

  • The magician's tricks were so perplexingly executed, it left the audience in awe.
  • The math problem was perplexingly difficult for the students.
confusingly

This word is suitable for everyday use and is appropriate in situations where something causes straightforward confusion or a lack of clarity.

  • The instructions were confusingly written, making it hard to assemble the furniture.
  • He spoke so fast that, confusingly, no one understood his point.
puzzlingly

This term is best used when something is confusing in a way that feels like a puzzle or enigma that needs to be solved. It often has a somewhat neutral or even intriguing connotation.

  • The detective found a puzzlingly cryptic note at the crime scene.
  • The ancient ruins were puzzlingly constructed, baffling archaeologists for years.

Examples of usage

  • The instructions were written perplexingly, making it difficult to assemble the furniture.
  • She looked at him perplexingly, trying to understand his cryptic message.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing something that causes confusion or puzzlement

Causing confusion or puzzlement; difficult to understand or explain.

Synonyms

baffling, confusing, puzzling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perplexingly

Used when describing something that causes someone to be completely baffled, often with a nuance of incredibility or unexpected complexity.

  • The problem was so perplexingly difficult that even the experts couldn't solve it.
confusing

Commonly used in everyday situations where something is hard to follow or understand, causing a general state of confusion.

  • The instructions for assembling the furniture were very confusing.
puzzling

Best suited for situations where something is mysterious or makes one think hard to understand it, often in a thought-provoking manner.

  • The sudden disappearance of the documents was puzzling to everyone in the office.
baffling

Appropriate for situations where something is extremely hard to understand or explain and leaves one feeling bewildered.

  • The magician's trick was utterly baffling to the audience.

Examples of usage

  • The perplexingly complex puzzle challenged even the most experienced solvers.
  • His perplexingly vague explanation left us with more questions than answers.

Translations

Translations of the word "perplexingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perplexamente

🇮🇳 भ्रमित करने वाला

🇩🇪 verwirrenderweise

🇮🇩 dengan membingungkan

🇺🇦 збентежено

🇵🇱 zaskakująco

🇯🇵 困惑させるように (konwaku saseru yō ni)

🇫🇷 de manière perplexe

🇪🇸 perplejamente

🇹🇷 şaşırtıcı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 당혹스럽게 (danghogseureobge)

🇸🇦 بشكل محير

🇨🇿 zmateně

🇸🇰 zmätene

🇨🇳 令人困惑地 (lìng rén kùnhuò de)

🇸🇮 zmedeno

🇮🇸 ruglingslega

🇰🇿 абыржыған түрде

🇬🇪 დაბნეულად (dabneulad)

🇦🇿 çaşdırıcı şəkildə

🇲🇽 perplejamente

Etymology

The word 'perplexingly' is derived from the adjective 'perplexing,' which has its roots in the Middle English word 'perplex,' meaning 'bewilder, confuse.' The suffix '-ly' is added to form the adverb 'perplexingly,' indicating a manner that causes confusion or puzzlement. The use of 'perplexingly' dates back to the 16th century, where it was employed to describe situations or actions that were confusing or difficult to understand.

See also: perplex, perplexed, perplexing, perplexity.