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perplex
[ per-pleks ]
/ pərˈplɛks /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to cause to be puzzled or bewildered over what is not understood or certain; confuse mentally: Her strange response perplexed me.
to make complicated or confused, as a matter or question.
to hamper with complications, confusion, or uncertainty.
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ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
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Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
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Origin of perplex
First recorded in 1585–95; back formation from perplexed
OTHER WORDS FROM perplex
per·plex·er, nounper·plex·ing·ly, adverbun·per·plex·ing, adjectiveWords nearby perplex
perpetuate, perpetuation, perpetuity, perphenazine, Perpignan, perplex, perplexed, perplexity, per pro., per procurationem, perp walk
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use perplex in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for perplex
perplex
/ (pəˈplɛks) /
verb (tr)
to puzzle; bewilder; confuse
to complicateto perplex an issue
Word Origin for perplex
C15: from obsolete perplex (adj) intricate, from Latin perplexus entangled, from per- (thoroughly) + plectere to entwine
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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