noun
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the state of being perplexed
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the state of being intricate or complicated
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something that perplexes
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of perplexity
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English perplexite, from Old French, from Late Latin perplexitās, from Latin perplex(us) ( see perplexed) + -itās -ity
Explanation
Perplexity is confusion that results from something being complicated. The instruction manuals for computer components might put a look of perplexity on your face. If you think of the word complexity — which is when something is really intricate or involves lots of complicated parts — it might help you remember that perplexity is the state that results from complexity. You might experience perplexity at the complexity of the plays your coach has diagrammed, or perplexity at the complicated menu options at an Indian restaurant.
Vocabulary lists containing perplexity
The Jungle
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"Home" by Anton Chekhov
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myPerspectives 10.6
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Snap this year also ended a deal with AI company Perplexity that was expected to bring the social media company $400 million.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026
News Corp, the owner of Barron’s publisher Dow Jones, has sued Perplexity, alleging copyright infringement.
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
The two sides initially announced the relationship in November, with plans for Perplexity to appear in Snapchat’s popular Chat interface starting in early 2026.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
Perplexity, known for its agentic solutions, received a shoutout on the earnings call yesterday.
From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026
Observation Perplexity, 9, 11, 72 Placing, 114, 126 Play, 161-7, 217-21; of mind, 219 Playfulness, 162, 218 f.
From How We Think by Dewey, John
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
