perplexity
perplexity
Definition
per·plex·ity (pər plek′sə tē)
noun
- the condition of being perplexed; bewilderment; confusion
- pl. -·ties something that perplexes
- something that is perplexed, or complicated
Etymology: ME perplexite < MFr perplexité < LL perplexitas
perplexity
Synonyms
perplexity
n.
Uncertainty based on doubt
bewilderment, confusion, quandary; see doubt 2, uncertainty 2.Difficulty causing uncertainty
complication, crisis, emergency; see difficulty 2.
perplexity
Usage Examples
Converse of object
- remove: AL 243 Take Wittgenstein's philosophy as a whole as a way of removing perplexity.
- cause: And thankful too that we have relatively few terms which, despite being partly useful, have a history of causing wholly unnecessary perplexity.
- pose: In his view, the belief in the hereafter offers the only solution to the religious perplexities posed by the Holocaust.
- express: Their eyes met, and his expressed perplexity and curiosity.
- calculate: We also calculate the perplexity of the different user models.
- have: Some there are, indeed, for whom the problem has no perplexities.
Adjective modifier
- philosophical: Minimally, when this book is open, philosophical perplexities are there, right there, in front of readers ' eyes.
- great: The man who is delivered from great perplexity, no matter by what means, feels himself relieved.
- much: Martyn spent the rest of the evening in much perplexity on the subject.
- many: If this consideration be borne in mind it will solve many difficulties, and remove many perplexities.
- infinite: He went back to the shop front and stood surveying it in infinite perplexity.
Modifies a noun
perplexity Quotes
Either still I find Some imperfection in the chosen theme, Or see of absolute accomplishment Much wanting, so much wanting, in myself, That I recoil and droop, and seek repose In listlessness from vain perplexity, Unprofitably travelling towards the grave.
Browse dictionary entries near perplexity
- perplexing
- perplexed
- perplex
- Perpignan
- perpetuity
- perpetuation
- perpetuate
- perpetually
- perpetual motion
- perpetual calendar
