How Do You Spell PERPLEXITY?

Pronunciation: [pəplˈɛksɪti] (IPA)

Perplexity (pərˈplɛksəti) is a noun that refers to a state of being confused or baffled by something difficult to understand. The spelling of perplexity derives from its Latin root word perplexus, which means 'confused.' The first syllable 'per' means completely, and the second syllable 'plex' means interweaved, which together suggests an inter-weaving of confusion. The final syllable, '-ity,' is a suffix that converts the adjective 'perplex' into the corresponding noun form. Overall, the spelling of perplexity seems to encapsulate its meaning perfectly.

PERPLEXITY Meaning and Definition

1. Perplexity is a noun that refers to a state of confusion, uncertainty, or puzzlement, usually caused by the complexity or difficulty of something. It is the feeling of being mentally or emotionally bewildered and unsure about how to comprehend or deal with a particular situation or problem.

   In a cognitive sense, perplexity arises when one is faced with information or circumstances that surpass their understanding or expectations. It is often characterized by a sense of mental disarray, as one struggles to make sense of contradictory or inexplicable events, ideas, or actions. Perplexity can also occur when encountering a multitude of options or choices, making it challenging to determine the most appropriate course of action.

   Perplexity can manifest as a feeling of being lost or stuck, resulting in a state of indecision or bewilderment. It may lead to frustration or anxiety as one grapples with finding a solution or understanding the intricacies of a problem. However, perplexity can also be seen as an opportunity for growth and learning, as it encourages deep reflection and analysis to unravel the complexities at hand.

   In literary contexts, perplexity can serve as a narrative device to create suspense or intrigue, as characters face challenges or plot twists that confuse both them and the audience. Overall, perplexity is an innate human experience that emerges from the confrontation of the unknown, demanding mental effort and curiosity to navigate through its intricacies.

2. Anxiety; distraction of mind through doubt or difficulty.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for PERPLEXITY *

• plerplexity 66.6666666%
• perplexion 33.3333333%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PERPLEXITY

• oerplexity
• lerplexity
• -erplexity
• 0erplexity
• pwrplexity
• psrplexity
• pdrplexity
• prrplexity
• p4rplexity
• perplexty
• perplextiy
• perplexyty
• perplexyti
• perplexti
• persplexity
• Perplexitys
• perpunity

Etymology of PERPLEXITY

The word "perplexity" has its origins in the Latin word "perplexitas", which is derived from the verb "perplectere", meaning "to entangle" or "complicate". It is also related to the Latin words "plicare", meaning "to fold", and "plexus", meaning "twisted". Therefore, "perplexity" can be understood as the state of being intricately entangled or confused.

Similar spelling words for PERPLEXITY

• perplexedly,
• perplex,
• perplexing,
• perplexed.

Plural form of PERPLEXITY is PERPLEXITIES