perplexed

[per-plekst]

adjective

1. bewildered; puzzled.

   a perplexed state of mind.

2. complicated; involved; entangled.

Other Word Forms

• perplexedly adverb
• perplexedness noun
• self-perplexed adjective
• unperplexed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perplexed¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English perplex “confused,” from Latin perplexus ( per-, complex ) + -ed ²

Example Sentences

We see the brothers standing in the center, unharmed; the flames reaching out to afflict everyone around them; and the observers on high looking perplexed.

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“But who can concentrate on books at a time like this?” the perplexed young governess thought, which just goes to show what an unusual state of mind she was in.

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The dreams perplexed and somewhat scared Equihua, who couldn’t figure out what they might mean.

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The perplexed look on her face instantly confirmed the faux pas.

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At least he wasn’t alone; a few other young pilots showed up too, equally perplexed.

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Related Words

• bewildered 
• puzzled www.thesaurus.com
• uncertain