Perplexed
/pərˈplekst/
Definitions
Feeling completely baffled; puzzled.
/pərˈplekst/
Confused and unable to understand something.
The instructions were so convoluted that I was completely perplexed.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to solve a riddle, and no matter how hard you try, you can't figure it out. You're confused and unsure what to do next. That's being perplexed!
👶 For kids: When you are perplexed, it means you are super confused and don't know what's going on.
More Examples
He looked perplexed when he saw the magic trick.
The unexpected plot twist left the audience thoroughly perplexed.
How It's Used
"She looked perplexed when she received the cryptic message."
"The complex data left the researchers perplexed about the results."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Latin *perplexus* (“entangled, perplexed”), past participle of *perplectere* (“to entwine, perplex”), from *per-* (“thoroughly”) + *plectere* (“to plait, braid, weave”).
The word has been in use since the 15th century, originally referring to something tangled or complicated, then evolving to describe a state of mental confusion.
Memory tip
Think of being 'per-plexed' as being completely surrounded and 'plexed' (woven) by the problem.
Word Origin
"entangled; confused"