perplexity
UK: pəˈplɛksɪti | US: pərˈplɛksɪti
n. the state of being confused or puzzled
n. (formal) something that is complicated or difficult to understand
The word "perplexity" traces back to Latin perplexus (thoroughly entangled), combining per- (thoroughly) and plexus (woven, twisted). The root plex relates to weaving or braiding, metaphorically extending to mental entanglement or confusion. Over time, perplexity evolved in Middle English (via Old French) to denote a state of bewilderment, retaining the core idea of complexity "woven" into thought.
The math problem filled her with perplexity.
His sudden resignation caused widespread perplexity among colleagues.
The novel’s ambiguous ending left readers in perplexity.
Scientists face the perplexity of unexplained cosmic phenomena.
Her expression shifted from curiosity to perplexity as the instructions grew more convoluted.