First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
perplexity
noun per·plex·i·ty \pər-ˈplek-sə-tē\
: the state of being very confused because something is difficult to understand
: something that is confusing and difficult to understand
plural per·plex·i·ties
Full Definition of PERPLEXITY
1
: the state of being perplexed : bewilderment
2
: something that perplexes
3
See perplexity defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PERPLEXITY
Middle English perplexite, from Middle French perplexité, from Late Latin perplexitat-, perplexitas, from Latin perplexus
Related to PERPLEXITY
- Synonyms
- bafflement, bamboozlement, befuddlement, bemusement, bewilderedness, bewilderment, confusedness, discombobulation, distraction, fog, head-scratching, maze [chiefly dialect], muddle, mystification, confusion, puzzlement, tangle, whirl
Rhymes with PERPLEXITY
PERPLEXITY Defined for Kids
perplexity
noun per·plex·i·ty \pər-ˈplek-sə-tē\
plural per·plex·i·ties
Definition of PERPLEXITY for Kids
1
: a puzzled or anxious state of mind <The school stared in perplexity at this incredible folly. — Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer>
2
: something that puzzles
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