perplexity

per·plex·i·ty

noun \pər-ˈplek-sə-tē\

plural per·plex·i·ties

Definition of PERPLEXITY

1

: the state of being perplexed : bewilderment

2

: something that perplexes

3

: entanglement

Examples of PERPLEXITY

1. There was a look of perplexity on his face.
2. He stared at her in perplexity.
3. We will never solve all of the perplexities of life.

Origin of PERPLEXITY

Middle English perplexite, from Middle French perplexité, from Late Latin perplexitat-, perplexitas, from Latin perplexus

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PERPLEXITY

Synonyms

bafflement, bamboozlement, befuddlement, bemusement, bewilderedness, bewilderment, confusedness, discombobulation, distraction, fog, head-scratching, maze [chiefly dialect], muddle, mystification, confusion, puzzlement, tangle, whirl

Related Words

abashment, discomfiture, disconcertment, embarrassment, mortification; agitation, chagrin, discomfort, dismay, disquiet, distress, disturbance, perturbation, upset; bother, commotion, dither, flurry, fluster, fuss, stew, turmoil

Near Antonyms

assurance, certainty, certitude, confidence, conviction, positiveness, sureness

Rhymes with PERPLEXITY

complexity, convexity