Quandary: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Latin 'quando', meaning 'when', suggesting uncertainty about timing.
• It entered the English language during the early 17th century, retaining its meaning of perplexity.
• Initially, it was used more in philosophical texts, describing dilemmas or problems.

Literature

• Many famous stories feature characters facing a quandary, leading to pivotal twists in the plot.
• Shakespeare often wrote about characters in a quandary, especially in comedies where misunderstandings lead to confusion.
• Modern novels and films often explore the theme of moral quandaries, where characters must make difficult choices.

Psychology

• Being in a quandary can lead to decision paralysis, where the fear of making the wrong choice stops you from deciding.
• Research shows that having too many options can increase feelings of quandary and dissatisfaction.
• Understanding emotional responses during a quandary can help individuals make better decisions in the future.

Philosophy

• Philosophers often discuss moral quandaries to explore ethics and the complexity of human choice.
• Famous thought experiments, like the trolley problem, provoke quandaries that question moral values and ethics.
• The study of dilemmas challenges scholars to think about the implications of choice and the nature of freedom.

Pop Culture

• In popular TV shows, main characters often find themselves in humorous quandaries that drive the storyline.
• Movies frequently depict existential quandaries, where protagonists must decide between personal desires and societal expectations.
• Comedians often use the absurdity of quandaries in their routines to highlight the ridiculousness of life’s dilemmas.

At rank #25,164, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 25161 flaked
• 25162 inhumane
• 25163 zucchini
• 25164 quandary
• 25165 uncommitted
• 25166 climatology
• 25167 alliteration
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