perplexity

noun

per·​plex·​i·​ty pər-ˈplek-sə-tē How to pronounce perplexity (audio)
plural perplexities
1
: the state of being perplexed : bewilderment
2
: something that perplexes
3

Examples of perplexity in a Sentence

There was a look of perplexity on his face. He stared at her in perplexity. We will never solve all of the perplexities of life.
Recent Examples on the Web The perplexity of any of those three results would be quite low because the prediction is fairly certain. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 14 July 2023 Living involves many doubts, anxieties, and confusions, and not every perplexity is a pathology; for any human quandary, there’s likely a philosopher who has wrestled with it in the past few millennia. Nick Romeo, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2023 The closer the output is to the training data, the lower the perplexity rating. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 14 July 2023 Adding to the perplexities, a major studio expressed interest in screening Fancy Dance internally for diversity training, yet showed no intent to discuss acquisition, exemplifying the industry’s often superficial engagement with diversity and representation. Erica Tremblay, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Nov. 2023 Her perplexity at his moral hypocrisy, a recurring theme, is well-written and well-acted. Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 16 Dec. 2023 His story is one of numerous stories within the Black community that contribute to the intricacy and perplexity of Black family history and genealogy. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 Oct. 2023 Jambi’s face registers disappointment; Pee-wee’s, mere perplexity. Bruce Handy, The New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2023 The industry has long voiced perplexity over Netflix’s org chart. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perplexity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English perplexite, from Middle French perplexité, from Late Latin perplexitat-, perplexitas, from Latin perplexus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perplexity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near perplexity

Cite this Entry

“Perplexity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perplexity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

perplexity

noun
per·​plex·​i·​ty pər-ˈplek-sət-ē How to pronounce perplexity (audio)
plural perplexities
1
: the state of being perplexed : bewilderment
2
: something that perplexes

More from Merriam-Webster on perplexity

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