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
Etymology
Origin of perplexity
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English perplexite, from Old French, from Late Latin perplexitās, from Latin perplex(us) ( perplexed ) + -itās -ity
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.
Most amusing is the creators’ sincere perplexity at their creations being taken seriously.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025
The mainstream press expressed perplexity at his embrace of an Irish cultural identity "despite being born and raised in England".
From BBC • Aug. 9, 2025
The authors expressed perplexity about why excess deaths actually rose in 2021, despite the arrival of the vaccines and the implementation of social anti-pandemic measures, and remained elevated the following year.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2024
“It seems that the sea was calm,” Francis said, seemingly expressing perplexity that such a grave tragedy could happen in those conditions.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 18, 2023
I was tired but I couldn’t sleep; my irritation and perplexity were growing stronger, kept in motion by a ridiculous sense of unease.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
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.
