perplexed

/pə'plekst/

Thân thiện

A student looks perplexed by a difficult math problem.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment: Describes a state of being puzzled, confused, or uncertain about something because it is complicated or hard to understand.
   • Characterized by perplexity: Indicates a mental state where one is unable to grasp something clearly, leading to hesitation or doubt.

Usage

The adjective "perplexed" is used to describe a person's state of mind when they are faced with a confusing, complicated, or inexplicable situation, question, or piece of information. It is a feeling of being mentally tangled or at a loss.

Examples

• As an adjective describing a person:
  • She looked perplexed by the complex instructions.
  • The detective was perplexed by the lack of evidence at the crime scene.
• As an adjective describing a state or expression:
  • His perplexed expression showed he didn't understand the joke.
  • We were left in a perplexed silence after hearing the strange news.

Advanced Usage

• "to be perplexed at/by/over something": This is a common construction to specify the cause of the confusion.
  • The scientists were perplexed by the unexpected results of the experiment.
  • He was perplexed at her sudden change of attitude.
  • I am still perplexed over how to solve this problem.

Variants and Related Words

• Perplex (verb): To cause someone to feel puzzled or confused.
  • The mystery continues to perplex investigators.
• Perplexity (noun): The state of being perplexed; confusion.
  • She stared at the map in complete perplexity.
• Perplexing (adjective): Causing perplexity; confusing.
  • It was a perplexing riddle with no obvious answer.

Synonyms

• Baffled: Utterly confused or puzzled.
• Bewildered: Completely puzzled or confused.
• Confused: Unable to think clearly; bewildered.
• Puzzled: Unable to understand; perplexed.
• Nonplussed (often used interchangeably, though it can imply being so surprised that one is unsure how to react).

Antonyms

• Clear-headed: Thinking clearly.
• Certain: Having no doubt; sure.
• Understanding: Having comprehension or knowledge.
• Enlightened: Having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook.

Idioms and Phrases

• To scratch one's head (in perplexity): To be confused or puzzled about something.
  • The strange noise had us all scratching our heads in perplexity.
• At a loss (for words/ideas): So puzzled or confused that one does not know what to say or do. This phrase often describes a "perplexed" state.
  • Her question left me completely at a loss for words.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment
   • perplexed language
   • perplexed state of the world