English Lexicon

Perplex

/pərˈplɛks/
verbnounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To cause someone to feel confused or baffled.

    "The complex instructions perplexed the students during the exam."
As noun
  1. 1

    A state of confusion or puzzlement.

    "Her perplex was evident when she encountered the unexpected results."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'perplex' originates from the Latin 'perplexus', meaning 'entangled' or 'involved', which is derived from 'per-' (through) and 'plexus' (woven). It entered the English language in the late 15th century, evolving to signify confusion or puzzlement.

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