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Quandary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quandary

[หˆkwษ’nd(ษ™)ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in decision-making

A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.

Synonyms

dilemma, plight, predicament.

Examples of usage

  • I found myself in a quandary over whether to accept the job offer or stay in my current position.
  • She was in a quandary about which university to choose for her studies.
Context #2 | Noun

ethical dilemma

A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.

Synonyms

difficult choice, ethical dilemma, moral dilemma.

Examples of usage

  • He was faced with a moral quandary when he discovered his colleague was stealing from the company.
  • The politician found himself in a quandary when forced to choose between loyalty and honesty.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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 lifeโ€™s dilemmas.

Origin of 'quandary'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'quandary' originated in the late 16th century from the obsolete adjective 'quandary', which meant 'perplexed, troubled'. It is believed to have derived from the Latin word 'quandล' meaning 'when'. Over the years, 'quandary' has come to represent a state of uncertainty or dilemma in decision-making.

Word Frequency Rank

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