perplexity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perplexity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of confusion or uncertainty about something. Example: "The perplexity of the situation left everyone in the room speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wrote: "I have I believe after much perplexity discovered what you mean by using the word flirtatious: but I am not in the least interest in that quarter, & should be the last to discourage any attempt upon him".

The Guardian

Richard Williams The complications of a time trial means that, quite often, at the end, you're watching hundredths of a second flick past on a giant screen instead of the riders: or if you are watching the riders, it's quite hard to work out if they've won – so there's often a split-second of perplexity.

The Guardian - Sport

"Violating legislation", writes Béatrice Houchard in "Road Delinquency", a new book, "is a national sport".Hence the perplexity over the speed cameras.

The Economist

Pleasure replaces perplexity as the viewer joins Morandi in a game of perceptual hide and seek.

The Economist

It was not done to be politically correct, but to be true to the facts.You also assert that interest groups petitioned to make sure that the soldiers' expressions "suggested the perplexity the war engendered".

The Economist

To add to his perplexity, he notes that Mr Obama's website stated that he "believes that the Second Amendment creates an individual right, and he respects the constitutional rights of Americans to bear arms".

The Economist

The advice seems to boil down to shopping less often, keeping less stuff, watching less TV and sending fewer e-mails.Life coaches offer to help with the perplexity of bigger choices.

The Economist

Last week they produced a first "working paper", which turned out to be a collection of press-clippings cataloguing the general perplexity with which their "search for an idea" had been met.

The Economist

His black-ringed eyes and black-lined eyebrows registered sadness, wonder, perplexity and terror.

The Economist

In "The Devil Lies in the Detail", Mr Littger addresses a chapter to Germans' perplexity.

The Economist

The mood in Damascus, Syria's capital, was one of perplexity, twitchiness and anger.Early this year an American Treasury report accused Syria of harbouring an Iraqi-born resident called Abu Ghadiyah and his family, who apparently ran a network for foreign jihadists, providing them with false passports, weapons, guides, safe houses and allowances for those bound on missions into Iraq.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perplexity", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the confusion. For example, "The "perplexity" surrounding the new policy stemmed from a lack of clear communication".

Common error

Avoid using "perplexity" when a simpler word like "confusion" or "uncertainty" suffices. "Perplexity" carries a tone of deeper, more involved bewilderment, so ensure it fits the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "perplexity" is as a noun, denoting a state or feeling of being perplexed; puzzled or confused. Ludwig AI shows many examples of its use in expressing confusion about various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perplexity" functions as a noun to describe a state of confusion or bewilderment. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts. While semantically interchangeable with terms like "confusion" or "bewilderment", it carries a tone of deeper, more involved bewilderment. When employing "perplexity", ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation at hand to avoid potential misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confusion

A general term for a lack of understanding or clarity, closely related to perplexity and often interchangeable.

state of bewilderment

Emphasizes the condition of being utterly confused and disoriented.

bafflement

Indicates a state of being completely unable to understand or explain something, similar in intensity to perplexity.

bewilderment

Indicates a state of being confused and disoriented, similar to perplexity but often implying a stronger sense of being lost or overwhelmed.

mystification

Suggests a state of being bewildered or perplexed, often implying that something is shrouded in mystery.

puzzlement

Suggests a state of mild confusion or difficulty in understanding something, less intense than perplexity.

mental fog

Describes a state of reduced mental clarity and confusion, often temporary and caused by fatigue or stress.

stupefaction

Indicates a state of being astonished or shocked to the point of being unable to think clearly; highlights the overwhelming nature of the confusion.

discombobulation

Implies a humorous or exaggerated state of confusion, often used to describe a temporary loss of bearings.

daze

Implies a state of being stunned or confused, often as a result of shock or surprise; related because it signifies impaired comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "perplexity" in a sentence?

You can use "perplexity" to describe a state of confusion or bewilderment. For instance, "The complex instructions filled him with "perplexity"", or "She stared at the abstract painting in utter "perplexity"".

What's a good substitute for "perplexity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "confusion", "bewilderment", or "puzzlement". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'a state of perplexity'?

Yes, "a state of perplexity" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It emphasizes the condition of being perplexed or confused.

What is the difference between "perplexity" and "ambiguity"?

"Perplexity" refers to a state of mental confusion or uncertainty, while "ambiguity" refers to the quality of being open to more than one interpretation. "Perplexity" is a feeling, "ambiguity" is a characteristic.