perplexed
UK: /pəˈplekst/ | US: /pərˈplekst/
adj. confused or puzzled due to complexity or lack of clarity
vt. (past tense of perplex) to cause someone to feel confused or uncertain
perplexed = per<thoroughly> + plex<interwoven> + ed<past participle suffix>
- per (from Latin per-, meaning "thoroughly")
- plex (from Latin plexus, meaning "interwoven" or "entangled")
- ed (English past participle suffix, indicating state or action)
Etymology Origin:
The word perplexed traces back to Latin perplexus, combining per- (thoroughly) and plexus (interwoven). The imagery suggests a mental state "thoroughly entangled," akin to being caught in a knotted thread. Over time, it evolved to describe the feeling of confusion when faced with complex or contradictory information.
She looked perplexed by the sudden change in plans.
The math problem left him utterly perplexed.
His cryptic remarks only perplexed the audience further.
I was perplexed by the inconsistency in her story.
The instructions were so vague that everyone felt perplexed.