Perplexity: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'perplexity' to indicate a state of being completely baffled or very puzzled, often in a more formal or literary context.

• Her face showed outright perplexity at the complex math problem

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.

• There was much confusion in the office after the announcement of the new policies

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.

• He stared at the instructions in bewilderment, unable to comprehend them

Use 'puzzlement' when describing a mild and often temporary state of confusion, especially when someone is trying to understand something puzzling or mysterious.

• She looked at the strange gadget with puzzlement, not sure how to use it

Use this when referring to a state of being completely baffled or puzzled, often due to complexity or difficulty in understanding something.

• She looked at the complex puzzle with great perplexity
• The scientist expressed perplexity over the new findings

This is appropriate when talking about a situation where the outcome or information is unknown or unpredictable, often causing doubt or hesitation.

• The uncertainty of the weather made planning difficult
• She faced her future with a sense of uncertainty after graduation

This is best used when describing a situation or statement that can have more than one interpretation, often leading to confusion or misinterpretation.

• The legal document was full of ambiguity, causing different interpretations
• His statement created ambiguity among the audience

Use this term to describe something that has many interconnected or intricate parts, making it difficult to understand, explain, or solve.

• The complexity of the project required a team of experts
• Understanding quantum mechanics involves a high level of complexity

Used when someone is in a state of being completely confused or bewildered about a situation or a problem.

• She stared at the complex equation with perplexity
• The sudden change in plans left him in perplexity

Describes a situation in which a person has to choose between two or more equally undesirable options.

• He faced a moral dilemma about whether to tell the truth or protect his friend
• The company was in a dilemma over whether to expand or cut costs

Used for a situation where someone is uncertain what to do, often involving a difficult decision.

• She found herself in a quandary over which job offer to accept
• The sudden breakdown of the car put us in a quandary about how to reach the wedding on time

Refers to a general state of doubt or lack of clarity about a situation or future event.

• There is a lot of uncertainty about the future of the economy
• Her uncertainty about the new project made her hesitant to start