Perplexity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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perplexity
[pษหplษksษชti ]
Definitions
feeling
Perplexity is the state of being completely baffled or puzzled.
Synonyms
bewilderment, confusion, puzzlement.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perplexity |
Use 'perplexity' to indicate a state of being completely baffled or very puzzled, often in a more formal or literary context.
|
| confusion |
Use 'confusion' in a wide range of contexts to describe a general state of not understanding what is happening or what someone is being asked to do. It is a neutral term.
|
| bewilderment |
Use 'bewilderment' when describing a feeling of being extremely confused, often due to something unexpected or complicated. This word conveys a sense of being overwhelmed.
|
| puzzlement |
Use 'puzzlement' when describing a mild and often temporary state of confusion, especially when someone is trying to understand something puzzling or mysterious.
|
Examples of usage
- I stared at the math problem in perplexity, unable to figure it out.
- Her expression of perplexity showed that she was confused by the situation.
language modeling
In the field of language modeling, perplexity is a measurement of how well a probability distribution predicts a sample.
Synonyms
ambiguity, complexity, uncertainty.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perplexity |
Use this when referring to a state of being completely baffled or puzzled, often due to complexity or difficulty in understanding something.
|
| uncertainty |
This is appropriate when talking about a situation where the outcome or information is unknown or unpredictable, often causing doubt or hesitation.
|
| ambiguity |
This is best used when describing a situation or statement that can have more than one interpretation, often leading to confusion or misinterpretation.
|
| complexity |
Use this term to describe something that has many interconnected or intricate parts, making it difficult to understand, explain, or solve.
|
Examples of usage
- The perplexity of the language model was calculated to evaluate its performance.
- A lower perplexity score indicates better predictive accuracy.
literature
In literature, perplexity can refer to a state of uncertainty or indecision experienced by a character.
Synonyms
dilemma, quandary, uncertainty.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perplexity |
Used when someone is in a state of being completely confused or bewildered about a situation or a problem.
|
| dilemma |
Describes a situation in which a person has to choose between two or more equally undesirable options.
|
| quandary |
Used for a situation where someone is uncertain what to do, often involving a difficult decision.
|
| uncertainty |
Refers to a general state of doubt or lack of clarity about a situation or future event.
|
Examples of usage
- The protagonist's inner turmoil and perplexity added depth to the story.
- The novel delves into the theme of existential perplexity.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Perplexity can arise in decision-making scenarios, where too many choices overwhelm individuals.
- Cognitive dissonance theory explains how conflicting thoughts can create a state of perplexity.
- Children often experience perplexity when faced with abstract concepts they don't yet understand.
Literature
- In literature, characters might encounter perplexity during key plot twists, creating suspense.
- Many great authors, like Shakespeare and Kafka, explore the theme of human perplexity in their works.
- Poetic language often evokes perplexity to engage readersโ imaginations and provoke deeper thought.
Education
- In math and science education, perplexity can encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Teachers often use perplexing questions to stimulate discussion and deeper understanding among students.
- Learning through puzzling situations can enhance a student's ability to cope with ambiguity.
Pop Culture
- In movies, perplexity is often depicted through mystery genres, keeping viewers guessing.
- Songs and poems can convey deep emotional perplexity, resonating with listeners on a personal level.
- Popular games often incorporate perplexing puzzles to challenge players and enhance their engagement.
Origin of 'perplexity'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'perplexus', which means 'entangled' or 'complicated'.
- In Middle English, it appeared as 'perplexite', marking its journey into modern usage.
- The root 'plexus' relates to weaving, hinting at how complex ideas are often tangled together.
The word 'perplexity' originated from the Latin word 'perplexitas', meaning confusion or bewilderment. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe the state of being puzzled or uncertain. Over time, 'perplexity' has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including confusion in thought, uncertainty in decision-making, and complexity in understanding. The term is commonly used in various fields such as psychology, literature, and mathematics to convey a sense of confusion or ambiguity.
See also: perplex, perplexed, perplexing, perplexingly.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #16,292, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
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- 16289 reindeer
- 16290 guarantor
- 16291 inflicting
- 16292 perplexity
- 16293 infective
- 16294 placid
- 16295 menstruation
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