perplexed etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: perplexed
  • Old French: perplex, from Latin perplexus
  • Per- + plexus ("plaited, entangled")

Meaning:

  • Feeling confused, puzzled, or bewildered.

Origin:

The word "perplexed" originally comes from the Latin verb perplectere, meaning "to entangle" or "to be interwoven." This verb is formed from the prefix per (meaning "completely" or "thoroughly") and the root plexus (meaning "plaited" or "entangled").

When applied to a person, "perplexed" describes someone whose thoughts and emotions are tangled and difficult to unravel. The word suggests a state of confusion and bewilderment, in which the person feels unsure of what to think or do.

The word "perplexed" has been used in English since the 14th century. It is often used to describe a person who is confronted with a difficult situation or a problem that they cannot immediately solve. It can also be used to describe a person who is simply confused or disoriented.

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