perplexing
UK: pəˈpleksɪŋ | US: pərˈpleksɪŋ
adj. causing confusion or uncertainty; difficult to understand
vt. (rare) present participle of "perplex" (to confuse or complicate)
perplexing = per<thoroughly> + plex<weave/tangle> + ing<adjective suffix>
- per (from Latin per-, meaning "thoroughly")
- plex (from Latin plexus, past participle of plectere, meaning "to weave/tangle")
- ing (English suffix forming present participles or adjectives)
Etymology Origin:
The word "perplexing" originates from Latin perplexus ("thoroughly entangled"), combining per- (intensifier) and plexus ("woven"). The imagery of weaving/tangling evolved metaphorically to mean mental confusion. Over time, the suffix -ing was added in English to form the adjective, preserving the original sense of complexity.
The instructions were so perplexing that no one could assemble the furniture correctly.
Her perplexing behavior left everyone wondering about her true intentions.
The plot of the movie was deliberately perplexing to keep the audience engaged.
He gave a perplexing answer that only deepened the mystery.
The scientist found the experimental results perplexing and decided to re-run the tests.