Perplexingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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.

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?

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

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that complex problems can induce stress and anxiety, highlighting how our minds react to confusing situations.
Cognitive psychology suggests that feeling perplexed can foster critical thinking as we seek solutions.
Perplexity is often used in testing intelligence and problem-solving skills, measuring how someone deals with confusion.

Literature

Many authors use perplexing language to engage readers, creating suspense and encouraging deep thought.
Works like Kafka’s 'The Metamorphosis' often leave readers perplexed, inviting various interpretations.
The use of perplexing scenarios in narratives helps build complexity in characters and plots.

Pop Culture

'Perplexing' is often associated with plot twists in movies or TV shows that leave the audience confused yet intrigued.
In comedy, perplexing situations or misunderstandings are a common theme, creating humor through confusion.
Popular video games frequently incorporate perplexing puzzles that challenge players and enhance engagement.

Science

In quantum physics, some phenomena are described as perplexing due to their contradictory nature, like particles behaving as both waves and particles.
The phenomenon of déjà vu is perplexing to scientists, prompting research into memory and perception.
Certain medical conditions can cause confusion and perplexity, affecting cognition and mental clarity.

Origin of 'perplexingly'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'perplexus', meaning 'entangled or confused'.
It became popular in English around the 17th century, adding 'ly' to form an adverb.
Related words like 'perplex' and 'perplexity' share the same roots and meanings of confusion.

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.