perplex

IPA

Dictionary definition of perplex

To cause confusion, bewilderment, or uncertainty in someone's mind.
"The complicated math problem seemed to perplex her for hours."

Detailed meaning of perplex

When someone or something perplexes, it leaves a person puzzled, unsure, or unable to comprehend a situation, concept, or problem. The verb conveys a sense of mental complexity or intricacy that challenges understanding or resolution. It implies a state of confusion or being at a loss for a clear or straightforward solution. Something or someone that perplexes may be enigmatic, contradictory, or difficult to decipher, leading to a sense of frustration or perplexity. It can occur in various contexts, such as facing a perplexing riddle, encountering a complex puzzle, or trying to make sense of an intricate issue. To perplex is to create a state of mental disarray or uncertainty, prompting individuals to engage in deeper reflection, analysis, or exploration in an attempt to unravel the perplexing matter at hand.

Example sentences of perplex

1. The magician's tricks never fail to perplex the audience.
2. The contradictory statements made by the witness managed to perplex the jury.
3. The unexpected twist in the novel continues to perplex readers around the world.
4. As an anthropologist, he often encountered customs that would perplex anyone unfamiliar with the culture.
5. The sudden change in the weather patterns seemed to perplex even the most experienced meteorologists.
6. The cryptic message in the ancient manuscript perplexed historians for decades.

History and etymology of perplex

The verb 'perplex' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'perplexare,' which combines 'per,' meaning 'thoroughly,' and 'plexus,' meaning 'entwined' or 'twisted.' In essence, 'perplexare' originally meant to entangle or twist something thoroughly. As Latin evolved into Old French and, later, Middle English, 'perplex' emerged in the English language to describe the act of causing confusion, bewilderment, or uncertainty in someone's mind. It retained the sense of mental entanglement or confusion, emphasizing the idea of complex and puzzling situations that can leave individuals feeling mentally twisted or entwined in uncertainty. The etymology of 'perplex' underscores its historical connection to the state of confusion and the intricacies of the human mind when faced with perplexing situations.

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Further usage examples of perplex

1. The inability of the software to handle basic tasks perplexed the IT specialist.
2. His decision to quit the job without having another one lined up perplexed his family.
3. The labyrinthine layout of the old mansion would perplex any newcomer trying to find their way.
4. The concept of time travel tends to perplex most people, as it is fraught with paradoxes and contradictions.
5. The dog was perplexed when it saw its reflection in the mirror for the first time.
6. Her cryptic message continues to perplex me.
7. The complex math problem seemed to perplex everyone.
8. His sudden disappearance perplexed his friends and family.
9. The enigmatic smile on her face perplexed the detective.
10. The unexpected turn of events perplexed us all.
11. It's easy to let abstract concepts perplex you.
12. The contradictory statements in the report perplexed readers.
13. Trying to understand quantum physics can perplex anyone.
14. His decision to resign without explanation perplexed coworkers.
15. The maze of streets in the old city can perplex tourists.
16. The riddle was designed to perplex even the brightest minds.
17. The constant changes in technology can perplex older generations.
18. The mystery novel was crafted to perplex the reader until the end.
19. The teacher's explanation did more to perplex than clarify.
20. The magician's tricks never failed to perplex the audience.
21. The intricacies of the legal system can perplex many.
22. The sudden disappearance of the keys perplexed the homeowner.
23. Cultural differences can often perplex people in new environments.
24. The unexpected twist in the plot perplexed the viewers.
25. Trying to decipher the ancient hieroglyphs can perplex scholars.