perplexed

[per-plekst]

adjective

1. bewildered; puzzled.

   a perplexed state of mind.

2. complicated; involved; entangled.

Other Word Forms

• perplexedly adverb
• perplexedness noun
• self-perplexed adjective
• unperplexed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perplexed¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English perplex “confused,” from Latin perplexus ( per-, complex ) + -ed ²

Example Sentences

He told MPs that he was "perplexed that the first minister has not welcomed it", adding: "I would have expected the first minister to be holding a press conference to celebrate what we've done."

From BBC

But India is completely perplexed with the US and its position: "So it's a smart move – and feeds into the multipolar narrative that both India and China believe in."

From BBC

This perplexed many in the mainstream news media, because it didn’t make any sense from a strategic, military or political point of view.

From Salon

But with each passing episode, it always seemed like I was at the wrong table, perplexed and trying not to be rude with all the “But why?” questions.

From Los Angeles Times

In the 1980s, when Prof Abukutsa-Onyango began her studies, she says she was perplexed to find them referred to as "weeds".

From BBC

Related Words

• bewildered 
• puzzled www.thesaurus.com
• uncertain