Definition

Confused, puzzled, or bewildered; unable to understand something clearly or find a clear way forward in a situation. A perplexed person experiences mental uncertainty or difficulty in comprehending something.

Example Usage

The detective looked perplexed as she examined the crime scene, unable to make sense of the evidence.

Origin

From Latin 'perplexus' (confused, entangled), composed of 'per-' (thoroughly) and 'plexus' (braided or twisted, from plectere, to braid).

Fun Fact

The word originally had a physical meaning—to be 'perplexed' literally meant to be tangled or braided together, before it evolved to describe mental confusion.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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